Suppression of dendritic cell functions contributes to the anti-inflammatory action of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in experimental stroke

► We describe novel anti-inflammatory mechanisms of G-CSF in experimental stroke. ► Experimental stroke induces maturation and cerebral migration of DCs. ► G-CSF suppresses stroke-induced DC migration. ► G-CSF suppresses the enhanced maturation process of DCs following experimental stroke. ► Inhibited DC functions are associated with an attenuation of cerebral inflammation.