Dendritic Cells

Definition

Dendritic cells are a type of antigen-presenting cell that play a crucial role in the innate immune response by capturing, processing, and presenting antigens to T cells. They serve as a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems, initiating the body's immune response to viral infections by activating T cells and triggering subsequent adaptive responses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dendritic cells are found in tissues that are in contact with the external environment, such as the skin and mucosal surfaces, allowing them to capture pathogens effectively.
2. Upon encountering a virus, dendritic cells undergo maturation, which enhances their ability to present antigens and secrete cytokines, promoting T cell activation.
3. They can migrate from peripheral tissues to lymph nodes, where they interact with naive T cells, leading to their activation and differentiation into effector T cells.
4. Different subsets of dendritic cells exist, such as conventional dendritic cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, each with distinct roles in immune responses.
5. Dendritic cells are crucial for inducing tolerance in the immune system, preventing overactive responses that could lead to autoimmune diseases.

Review Questions

• How do dendritic cells function as a link between the innate and adaptive immune systems?
  • Dendritic cells capture and process antigens from pathogens like viruses in peripheral tissues. They then migrate to lymph nodes where they present these processed antigens to naive T cells. This crucial interaction not only activates T cells but also helps shape the adaptive immune response based on the specific characteristics of the antigen presented.
• Discuss the role of dendritic cells in activating T cells during viral infections and how this process impacts overall immunity.
  • During viral infections, dendritic cells recognize viral antigens and undergo maturation, enhancing their antigen-presenting capabilities. They secrete cytokines that further stimulate T cell proliferation and differentiation. This process is vital for developing an effective adaptive immune response capable of eliminating infected cells and providing long-term immunity through memory T cells.
• Evaluate the implications of dendritic cell function on vaccine development strategies aimed at enhancing antiviral responses.
  • Dendritic cells play a pivotal role in vaccine efficacy by determining how well the immune system responds to an antigen. Understanding their mechanisms can inform vaccine design to enhance dendritic cell activation and improve antigen presentation. Innovations such as using adjuvants that specifically target dendritic cell pathways could lead to stronger and more durable antiviral responses, maximizing vaccine effectiveness against various viral infections.

Related terms

Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs): Cells that process and present antigens to T cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells, essential for the activation of the adaptive immune response.

Cytokines: Small proteins produced by immune cells that act as signaling molecules to regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis, influencing dendritic cell functions.

T Cells: A type of lymphocyte that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity and is activated by dendritic cells presenting antigens.