Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
09:25
Isolation and Characterization of Dendritic Cells and Macrophages from the Mouse Intestine
Published on: May 21, 2012
Modulating TH1/TH2 responses with microbes, dendritic cells, and pathogen recognition receptors
1Department of Pathology and Emory Vaccine Center, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA. bpulend@rmy.emory.edu
Immunologic Research
|June 8, 2004
Summary
Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in directing adaptive immunity. Research explores whether distinct DC subsets or environmental factors determine T-helper responses against pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Adaptive immunity utilizes distinct T-helper (Th) responses, such as Th1 and Th2, for different pathogens.
- Cytokines like IL-4, IL-12, and IFN-gamma influence Th responses, but their in vivo sources remain unclear.
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are increasingly recognized for their role in orchestrating these immune decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of dendritic cell (DC) development.
- To examine two contrasting hypotheses regarding DC function in directing T-helper cell responses.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature and research findings.
- Analysis of evidence supporting distinct DC subsets versus environmental modulation of DC function.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests two potential mechanisms for DC-mediated T-helper bias: predetermined DC subsets or modulation by microbes and microenvironment.
- Both mechanisms highlight the critical role of DCs in regulating adaptive immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Dendritic cells are central regulators of adaptive immune responses.
- The immune system employs diverse strategies involving DCs to tailor responses to specific threats.
Related Concept Videos
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
01:26Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.