Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
11:39
T Cells Capture Bacteria by Transinfection from Dendritic Cells
Published on: January 13, 2016
Antigen transmission by replicating antigen-bearing dendritic cells
Jun Diao1, Erin Winter, Wenhao Chen
1Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|August 22, 2007
Summary
Dendritic cells (DCs) transfer antigens to their progeny during cell division, maintaining immune memory. This novel antigen transfer mechanism ensures antigen persistence despite the short lifespan of mature DCs.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Conventional spleen dendritic cells (DCs) have a short lifespan, turning over every 2-3 days.
- In situ proliferation of dendritic cell precursors contributes to dendritic cell homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism of antigen persistence in dendritic cell populations.
- To explore the role of dendritic cell precursors in antigen transfer.
Main Methods:
- Utilized real-time confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.
- Employed model particulate and soluble antigens.
- Studied dendritic cells and their precursors in vitro and during viral infection models.
Main Results:
- Replication-competent dendritic cell precursors and DCs directly transfer antigens to their progeny during cell division.
- Antigen transmission to progeny was symmetrical, with minimal evidence of other inter-DC transfer mechanisms.
- Inherited soluble protein antigens were effectively presented to antigen-specific T lymphocytes.
- Dendritic cell numbers and proliferation significantly increased during viral immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Dendritic cells are continuously replaced by antigen-bearing precursor cells that pass antigens to progeny.
- This process explains how antigens persist within dendritic cell populations despite the short lifespan of individual mature DCs.
- Identified a novel mechanism for maintaining antigen presentation and immune memory.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Antigen Presenting Cells
The immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that protects the body from foreign invaders. T cells, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in this process. They recognize and attack foreign substances, such as pathogens, that enter the body.
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
01:51Vaccinations
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.
01:31Antigen Processing Pathways
MHC molecules are key players in the immune response, enabling T cells to recognize and respond to specific antigens. They are present on the surface of all nucleated cells in the body and are instrumental in presenting antigens to T cells and activating them. T cells recognize the MHC-antigen complex and initiate an immune response. MHC class I and MHC class II are two main types of MHC molecules, each associated with a distinct antigen processing pathway.
MHC Class I: Presenting Endogenous...
MHC Class I: Presenting Endogenous...
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
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...