Language
Country/Area
No result found
The Hidden Immune Hero: How do dendritic cells detect pathogens in the body?
In our bodies, dendritic cells (DCs) play an irreplaceable role and become the invisible heroes of the immune system. These cells have the unique ability to detect, process and present antigens to T cells, paving the way for the initiation of an immune response. Dendritic cells are found in tissues that come into contact with the external environment, such as the skin, nasal cavity, lungs, and digestive tract. When they detect pathogens, they quickly activate immune defense mechanisms. In either case, dendritic cells are important messengers that bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems.
The main function of dendritic cells is to process antigen information and display it on the cell surface in order to activate T cells.
History and classification of dendritic cells
Dendritic cells were first discovered and described by Paul Langerhans in the late 19th century. Therefore, the corresponding dendritic cells are called Langerhans cells. In 1973, Ralph M. Steinman and Zanvil A. Cohn introduced the term "dendritic cell". Steinmann received the 2007 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award and the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the key role of dendritic cells in the adaptive immune response.
There are two main types of dendritic cells: conventional dendritic cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Traditional dendritic cells are mainly derived from the bone marrow and play an important role in regulating adaptive immune responses. In contrast, plasmacytoid dendritic cells are generated slightly differently and are primarily involved in the production of interferon.
Development and life cycle of dendritic cells
The process of dendritic cell development begins with hematopoietic stem cells, which transform into immature dendritic cells. Immature dendritic cells have high endocytic activity and low T cell activation potential. They continuously sample pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, in their environment, primarily through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). When they come into contact with an antigen they can present, they transform into mature dendritic cells and then migrate to the lymph nodes.
Mature dendritic cells are adept at presenting antigens and activating T cells, a process that is critical for mounting an effective immune response. In the process of activating T cells, dendritic cells also upregulate co-stimulatory signals, such as CD80 and CD86, further enhancing their ability to activate T cells.
The function of dendritic cells plays an important role in many diseases. For example, leukemia-associated plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm is a rare myeloid cancer in which malignant dendritic cells infiltrate the skin and other tissues. Dendritic cells are also closely associated with cancer, and studies have shown that increased density of dendritic cells at the tumor site is generally associated with better clinical outcomes.
In addition, dendritic cells are closely related to viral infections. For example, HIV enters the immune system through dendritic cells and affects the immune response. Dendritic cells are also thought to play a role in overactivating the immune system in autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus.
Future research directions of dendritic cells
The central role of dendritic cells in the immune system has sparked a lot of scientific research interest, especially in cancer immunotherapy and the treatment of autoimmune diseases. However, the diversity and function of dendritic cells still have many unresolved mysteries that need further exploration.
The scientific community is working hard to unravel the inner workings of dendritic cell development, function, and response to disease, which will have a profound impact on modern medicine, especially in personalized medicine and vaccine development.
