Dendritic cells and tolerance induction

Dendritic cells (DC) are widely accepted as the most potent antigen-presenting cells (APC), and considerable interest has been generated in their potential for the immunological therapy of cancer and infectious disease. Recently, however, a broader understanding of the phenotypic diversity and functional heterogeneity of DC has been acquired. Thus, in addition to having a role in central regarded as potential modulators of peripheral immune responses. h to the immunosuppressive therapy of allograft Harnessing this potential may offer a new approach rejection or autoimmunity. Here. the concept of tolerogenic DC is placed in the context of rapidly accumulating new evidence of the diverse properties of these important APC.