Chapter 2 New Insights into the Roles of Dendritic Cells in Intestinal Immunity and Tolerance

Cerovic, V., McDonald, V., Nassar, M.A., Paulin, S.M., MacPherson, G.G. and Milling, S. (2008) Chapter 2 New Insights into the Roles of Dendritic Cells in Intestinal Immunity and Tolerance. International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology, 272, pp. 33-105. (doi: 10.1016/S1937-6448(08)01602-X)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1937-6448(08)01602-X

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical key role in the initiation of immune responses to pathogens. Paradoxically, they also prevent potentially damaging immune responses being directed against the multitude of harmless antigens, to which the body is exposed daily. These roles are particularly important in the intestine, where only a single layer of epithelial cells provides a barrier against billions of commensal microorganisms, pathogens, and food antigens, over a huge surface area. In the intestine, therefore, DCs are required to perform their dual roles very efficiently to protect the body from the dual threats of invading pathogens and unwanted inflammatory reactions. In this review, we first describe the biology of DCs and their interactions with other cells types, paying particular attention to intestinal DCs. We, then, examine the ways in which this biology may become misdirected, resulting in inflammatory bowel disease. Finally, we discuss how DCs potentiate immune responses against viral, bacterial, parasitic infections, and their importance in the pathogenesis of prion diseases. We, therefore, provide an overview of the complex cellular interactions that affect intestinal DCs and control the balance between immunity and tolerance.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Milling, Professor Simon
Authors: Cerovic, V., McDonald, V., Nassar, M.A., Paulin, S.M., MacPherson, G.G., and Milling, S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology
ISSN:1937-6448

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record