Células dendríticas I: aspectos básicos de su biología y funciones

Dendritic cells (DC) play a critical role in the regulation of the immune response. They are the main antigen presenting cells, due to their ability to capture, process and present antigens to T lymphocytes in an optimal way, and to generate specific immune responses. Subsequently, when methodological techniques allowed their in vitro purification and maturation, it was verified that they were able to activate several other immune cell subsets, like B lymphocytes, NK cells, macrophages or eosinophils, and even to induce immune tolerance. A deeper knowledge of their biology and functions has allowed the development of clinical trials in anti-tumour and anti-infective DC-based therapies, and also to induce post-transplant tolerance and to treat autoimmunity.