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How can dendritic cells cause autoimmune disease?
H Drakesmith1, B Chain, P Beverley
1Molecular Immunology Group, Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK. hdrakes@molbiol.ox.ac.uk
Immunology Today
|April 27, 2000
Summary
Dendritic cells (DCs) initiate immune responses. Aberrant DCs, due to genetic defects or cytokine influence, can mistakenly trigger autoimmune diseases by directing T cells against the body's own tissues.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Autoimmunity research
- Cellular immunology
Background:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for initiating immune responses against foreign antigens.
- Emerging evidence implicates DCs in the development of autoimmunity, where the immune system attacks self-antigens.
- Understanding DC function is key to addressing autoimmune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of dendritic cells (DCs) in priming autoimmunity.
- To investigate the mechanisms by which DCs might induce self-directed T cell responses.
- To identify factors contributing to aberrant DC function in the context of autoimmunity.
Main Methods:
- Review of accumulating evidence on DC function in immune responses.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms for DC-induced autoimmunity.
- Examination of the impact of cytokine differentiation and genetic defects on DC behavior.
Main Results:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are confirmed as initiators of immune responses.
- DCs are implicated as potential prime movers in the induction of autoimmunity.
- Aberrant DC differentiation or intrinsic genetic defects can lead to autoimmune priming.
Conclusions:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role not only in foreign antigen immunity but also in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity.
- Cytokine-driven differentiation or genetic defects can cause DCs to malfunction, promoting self-directed immune attacks.
- Targeting DC function presents a potential therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases.