Chemokine mediated control of dendritic cell migration and function

Dendritic cells (DC) have historically been viewed as a group of functionally homogeneous cell types that act to stimulate Ag-specific immune responses after migrating to secondary lymphoid organs. DC patterns of chemokine responsiveness have generally been viewed as similar among DC subtypes. Here we discuss recent studies that challenge this view by demonstrating that DC subtypes differ in their response to specific chemokines, their migration patterns, and their capacity to stimulate or inhibit immune response. Thus, individual chemokines may act to regulate the character, strength, and duration of Ag-specific immune responses in a manner that has not previously been appreciated.