Dendritic cells and control of immune response

Cells of the dendritic family are suited to perform two distinct functions at two discrete locations. in the peripheral tissues, DC act as sentinels for "dangerous" antigens. They then migrate into the lymphoid organ, where they initiate activation of T lymphocytes which are specific for these antigens. During their migration, DC shift from an antigen-capturing-mode to a T cell sensitizing mode. In addition to switching on the immune response, subtypes of DC appear to influence the character of T cell differentiation, i.e. the Th1/Th2 balance. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.