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Updated: May 30, 2026
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Isolation and Characterization of Dendritic Cells and Macrophages from the Mouse Intestine
Published on: May 21, 2012
Intestinal CD103+ dendritic cells: master regulators of tolerance?
Charlotte L Scott1, Aude M Aumeunier, Allan McI Mowat
1Institute of Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Sir Graeme Davies Building, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK.
Trends in Immunology
|August 6, 2011
Summary
CD103(+) dendritic cells (DCs) in the gut promote immune tolerance. Their role in active immunity and inflammation is less understood, potentially involving distinct DC populations or altered existing cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- CD103(+) dendritic cells (DCs) in the intestinal mucosa are key to immune tolerance against gut microbes and food.
- These cells, originating in the lamina propria (LP), migrate to mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs).
- They induce regulatory T cells via retinoic acid production, promoting a tolerogenic environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of CD103(+) DCs in the intestinal mucosa.
- To highlight the knowledge gaps regarding their role in active immunity and inflammation.
- To discuss potential mechanisms for immune activation involving DCs in the gut.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on intestinal CD103(+) DCs.
- Analysis of cellular origins, migration patterns, and functional mechanisms.
- Discussion of factors influencing DC function in the gut mucosa.
Main Results:
- CD103(+) DCs are critical for establishing and maintaining oral tolerance.
- Their precise role in initiating intestinal inflammation or active immunity remains poorly defined.
- Potential involvement of altered existing DCs, newly arriving DCs, or distinct DC subsets in immunity.
Conclusions:
- While CD103(+) DCs are central to gut tolerance, their contribution to immunity requires further investigation.
- Understanding these cells' plasticity is crucial for developing strategies against inflammatory gut diseases.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the full spectrum of DC functions in the intestinal mucosa.
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