DENDRITIC CELLS AND TOLERANCE INDUCTION

Dendritic cells (DC) are widely accepted as the most potent antigen-pr esenting 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 modulat ors of peripheral immune responses. h to the immunosuppressive therapy of allograft Harnessing this potential may offer a new approach rejec tion or autoimmunity. Here. the concept of tolerogenic DC is placed in the context of rapidly accumulating new evidence of the diverse prope rties of these important APC.