Understanding the murine cutaneous dendritic cell network to improve intradermal vaccination strategies

Dendritic cells (DCs) form a heterogeneous group of antigen presenting cells that play different roles in tissue immunity. Recent studies have revealed the presence of distinct DC populations in murine skin, highlighting the complexity of the cutaneous DC network. In this review, we will define the major DC subsets that populate the different layers of the skin, focusing on their origin and the mechanisms controlling their homeostasis. We will also review recent evidence underlining the functional specialization of dermal DC subsets and its relevance in the design of novel vaccine approaches.