Description: Dendritic cells are a type of immune cell that play a crucial role in the adaptive immune response. These cells act as sentinels of the immune system, detecting and capturing antigens, which are foreign substances such as viruses, bacteria, or tumor cells. One of their most distinctive features is their ability to present these antigens to T cells, a type of lymphocyte that is essential for activating the immune response. Dendritic cells are found in peripheral tissues and lymphoid organs, where they can migrate and mature after capturing antigens. Their maturation involves changes in surface molecule expression that facilitate interaction with T cells. Additionally, these cells are essential for immune tolerance, helping to prevent autoimmune responses by appropriately presenting self-antigens. In summary, dendritic cells are a vital component of the immune system, acting as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, and are fundamental for the body’s defense against pathogens and the maintenance of immune homeostasis.
History: Dendritic cells were first identified in 1973 by Ralph Steinman and Zanvil Cohn, who described their role in antigen presentation. This discovery was crucial for understanding how the immune system recognizes and responds to pathogens. In 2011, Ralph Steinman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, although he sadly passed away days before the ceremony, sparking a debate about the significance of his work in modern immunology.
Uses: Dendritic cells have applications in biomedical research and immunotherapy. They are used in the development of vaccines, particularly cancer vaccines, where the goal is to activate a specific immune response against tumor cells. They are also being investigated in therapies for autoimmune diseases and in enhancing immune responses in viral infections.
Examples: A practical example of the use of dendritic cells is in dendritic cell vaccine therapy for melanoma treatment. These vaccines are prepared by extracting dendritic cells from the patient, which are then loaded with tumor antigens and reintroduced into the body to stimulate a specific immune response against cancer cells.
