Published in:
01-01-2005 | Original Paper
Dendritic cell-mediated T cell polarization
Authors:
Esther C. de Jong, Hermelijn H. Smits, Martien L. Kapsenberg
Published in:
Seminars in Immunopathology
|
Issue 3/2005
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Abstract
Effective defense against diverse types of micro-organisms that invade our body requires specialized classes of antigen-specific immune responses initiated and maintained by distinct subsets of effector CD4+ T helper (Th) cells. Excessive or detrimental (e.g., autoimmune) responses by effector T cells are controlled by regulatory T cells. The optimal balance in the development of the different types of effector and regulatory Th cells is orchestrated by dendritic cells (DC). This review discusses the way DC adapt the T cell response to the type of pathogen, focusing on the tools that DC use in this management of the T cell response.