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Development and Functional Characterization of Murine Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells
Published on: May 18, 2018
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Dendritic cells in systemic sclerosis: Advances from human and mice studies
Alsya J Affandi1, Tiago Carvalheiro1, Timothy R D J Radstake1
1Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Immunology Letters
|November 12, 2017
Summary
Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis by driving inflammation and fibrosis. Targeting DCs offers a potential therapeutic strategy for SSc.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis, vasculopathy, and immune dysfunction.
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial immune cells involved in antigen presentation and shaping immune responses.
- Altered DC function and distribution are implicated in the breakdown of immune tolerance and inflammation in SSc.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc).
- To explore the contribution of DCs to SSc hallmarks like fibrosis and vasculopathy.
- To consider DCs as potential targets for novel SSc therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent findings on DC biology in SSc and related autoimmune diseases.
- Analysis of studies investigating DC subsets, functions, and mediators (e.g., type I interferon, CXCL4).
- Examination of research on DC interactions with endothelial cells and fibrotic processes.
Main Results:
- DCs, particularly plasmacytoid DCs, are implicated in SSc pathogenesis through cytokine production (e.g., type I interferon, CXCL4) and promotion of inflammation.
- DCs directly contribute to endothelial dysfunction and fibrotic processes in SSc.
- Novel DC subsets and their functions in SSc are increasingly being identified.
Conclusions:
- Dendritic cells are central players in the immune dysregulation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis characteristic of SSc.
- Targeting specific DC populations or their functions presents a promising avenue for SSc therapeutic development.
- Further research into DC biology is essential for advancing SSc treatment strategies.
