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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Development and Functional Characterization of Murine Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells
Published on: May 18, 2018
Characteristics and functions of murine cutaneous dendritic cells: a synopsis of recent developments
1Dermatology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. udey@helix.nih.gov
Insights
In vivo studies reveal surprising new insights into skin dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, challenging existing paradigms. Research using genetically engineered mice is reshaping our understanding of these crucial immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cutaneous accessory cells, including dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, are key immune players in the skin.
- These cells exhibit heterogeneity, plasticity, and responsiveness to their microenvironment.
- Historically, research relied on in vitro and ex vivo studies, limiting in vivo insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the in vivo biology of cutaneous accessory cells, particularly dendritic cells (DCs).
- To investigate how in vivo studies challenge and refine existing conceptual frameworks of DC function and development.
- To highlight the impact of novel mouse models on understanding skin immunity.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing spontaneously occurring and genetically engineered mouse models.
- Conducting in vivo studies to observe cellular behavior within the skin microenvironment.
- Analyzing developmental and functional aspects of dendritic cells (DCs) in their native tissue context.
Main Results:
- In vivo studies yielded unexpected findings regarding cutaneous accessory cell biology.
- Established paradigms concerning dendritic cell (DC) development and function in the skin were challenged and modified.
- New hypotheses regarding the intricate roles of skin DCs and macrophages were generated.
Conclusions:
- In vivo research, particularly with advanced mouse models, is crucial for advancing our understanding of cutaneous accessory cells.
- Current research actively refines and debunks previous assumptions about skin dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages.
- Future studies will likely continue to reveal the complex biology and interactions of these immune cells in the skin.
Abstract:
Cutaneous accessory cells include dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. Heterogeneity, plasticity, and responsiveness to local environmental cues are hallmarks of both types of cells. Until recently, results of studies of cells that had been extracted from tissues or propagated in vitro provided the foundation for most conceptual frameworks. The availability of a variety of spontaneously occurring and genetically engineered mice has facilitated in vivo studies that have provided new insights into the developmental and functional aspects of DCs in skin and other tissues. In several instances, results of these in vivo studies have been very surprising. Existing paradigms have been modified or debunked, and new hypotheses have been generated. We can anticipate that detailed understanding of the biology of individual cutaneous accessory cells and their relationships with each other will continue to accumulate as these types of studies are actively pursued.
