DENDRITIC CELLS - THEIR ROLE IN PATHOLOGY

The aim of this review is to update the knowledge on dendritic cells ( DC), as potent antigen-presenting cells (APC) expressing class II majo r histocompatibility (MHC) antigen. The different types of DC are deri ved from a common bone marrow precursor. They differentiate and migrat e to lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues under the influence of diverse stimuli. After binding antigen in their periphery they move to the lym ph node activating T cells. Depending on the microenvironment, DC expr ess several surface markers and secrete cytokines such as IL-12, IL-1 and TNF alpha. DC play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and vi ral diseases being relevant in AIDS. These cells also infiltrate human tumors where they could be involved in the induction of anti-tumor im mune response. The immunostimulatory properties of DC are currently ap plied in DC-based therapies of melanoma and lymphoma patients.