Abstract
Introduction: Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) represent a unique and important immune cell population capable of producing large quantifies of type I interferon (IFN) in response to viruses as well as nucleic acid-containing complexes from the host. These rare and mysterious cells have been revealed by in-depth molecular characterization. Several innate sensors and signaling molecules enriched in pDCs allow their specialized innate immune functions. In addition, human pDCs use a group of surface receptors that, through activation of a B-cell receptor (BCR)-like signaling pathway, modulate type I IFN responses. It is clear now that pDC development is influenced by distinctive transcription factors that specify a unique lineage. CD4+CD56 + hematodermic neoplasm of human pDC origin has been revealed in explicit molecular terms. Conclusion: A detailed molecular description of pDCs helps us better define, understand, and track human pDCs in relation to their functions and physiological involvement.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 257-264 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Clinical Immunology |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2009 |
Keywords
- CD4CD56 hematodermic neoplasm
- PDC development
- Plasmacytoid dendritic cells
- Regulation of interferon responses
- Type I interferon production
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology
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