Dendritic cells: migratory cells that are attractive

Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen presenting cells, playing an important role in the initiation of T- and T cell dependent immune responses. DC are highly mobile cells and the sequential migration of DC in and out of tissues is accompanied by phenotypical as well as functional changes instrumental to their function as sentinels of the immune system. Herein, we will review recent progress in understanding the origin of DC, their migratory behaviour and their capacity to attract and interact with lymphocytes, with emphasis on the chemokine system.