The multifaceted biology of plasmacytoid dendritic cells

Nat Rev Immunol. 2015 Aug;15(8):471-85. doi: 10.1038/nri3865. Epub 2015 Jul 10.

Abstract

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a unique DC subset that specializes in the production of type I interferons (IFNs). pDCs promote antiviral immune responses and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases that are characterized by a type I IFN signature. However, pDCs can also induce tolerogenic immune responses. In this Review, we summarize recent progress in the field of pDC biology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that regulate the development and functions of pDCs, the pathways involved in their sensing of pathogens and endogenous nucleic acids, their functions at mucosal sites, and their roles in infection, autoimmunity and cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology
  • Autoimmunity
  • Cytokines / genetics
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / pathology
  • Dendritic Cells / virology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Interferon Type I / genetics
  • Interferon Type I / immunology
  • Mice
  • Signal Transduction
  • Virus Diseases / immunology*
  • Virus Diseases / pathology
  • Virus Diseases / virology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interferon Type I