Dendritic Cells and Autoimmunity

Due to their unique ability to initiate immune responses against invading pathogens, dendritic cells (DC) are considered the most potent antigen-presenting cells (APC). DC are specialized in antigen transport to secondary lymphoid organs and subsequent stimulation of primary and secondary T-cell responses. However, peptides presented by DC are not only of foreign origin but may include peptides derived from self-proteins, a process that can eventually lead to the development of autoimmune disease. However, a variety of mechanisms impact on the immunogenicity of DC in order to prevent autoimmune responses. Hence, targeted modulation of DC function may open new treatment options aiming at alleviating DC-driven autoimmune responses.