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Dendritic cells
Author(s) -
Yao Veronica,
Platell Cameron,
Hall John C.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1046/j.1445-2197.2002.02450.x
Subject(s) - immune system , immunology , antigen , immunosuppression , dendritic cell , medicine , antigen presenting cell , immunization , t cell
Dendritic cells (DC) are the most effective or ‘professional’ of the antigen‐presenting cells (APC) that initiate primary immune responses. They are located at surveillance sites where they capture and process antigens. They then initiate and regulate T‐ and B‐cell responses by expressing lymphocyte costimulatory molecules, migrating to lymphoid organs and secreting biologically active molecules. Dendritic cells not only activate lymphocytes to induce the immune response, but they also minimize autoimmune reactions by tolerizing T cells to self‐antigens. Recent Phase I and II clinical studies have shown promise in the use of antigen‐pulsed autologous DC for vaccination of cancer patients. Dendritic cells also have applications in preventing rejection after transplantation, immunization against viral infections and immunosuppression in autoimmune diseases.