Monocyte-derived dendritic cells: targets as potent antigen-presenting cells for the design of vaccines against infectious diseases

SummaryMonocytes play important roles in the inflammatory response, which is essential for the innate response to pathogens. Monocytes are able to differentiate to dendritic cells (DCs) under inflammatory situations. In recent decades, the heterogeneity of monocytes and their different traffic pathways have been identified in both human and murine systems. Different monocyte subsets show distinct inflammatory cytokine profiles and differentiation potential under steady-state and inflammatory situations. We discuss the biology of monocytes, their relationship with DCs, and the potential of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) in the design of vaccines against certain chronic infectious diseases.