Dendritic cells (DCs) process and present self and foreign antigens to induce tolerance or immunity. In vitro models suggest that induction of immunity is controlled by regulating the presentation of antigen, but little is known about how DCs control antigen presentation in vivo. To examine antigen processing and presentation in vivo, we specifically targeted antigens to two major subsets of DCs by using chimeric monoclonal antibodies. Unlike CD8+ DCs that express the cell surface protein CD205, CD8- DCs, which are positive for the 33D1 antigen, are specialized for presentation on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II. This difference in antigen processing is intrinsic to the DC subsets and is associated with increased expression of proteins involved in MHC processing.

In the steady state, dendritic cells (DCs) in the lymph node induce T cell tolerance to self antigens. Innate signals trigger the maturation of tissue DCs, which migrate into lymph nodes and activate T cells. To examine DCs in vivo, we produced transgenic mice whose DCs expressed enhanced yellow fluorescent protein. Two-photon microscopy of lymph nodes in live mice showed that most of the steady-state DCs were enmeshed in an extensive network and remained in place while actively probing adjacent T cells with their processes. Mature DCs were more motile than steady-state DCs and were rapidly dispersed and integrated into the sessile network, facilitating their interaction with migrating T cells.

These guidelines are a consensus work of a considerable number of members of the immunology and flow cytometry community. They provide the theory and key practical aspects of flow cytometry enabling immunologists to avoid the common errors that often undermine immunological data. Notably, there are comprehensive sections of all major immune cell types with helpful Tables detailing phenotypes in murine and human cells. The latest flow cytometry techniques and applications are also described, featuring examples of the data that can be generated and, importantly, how the data can be analysed. Furthermore, there are sections detailing tips, tricks and pitfalls to avoid, all written and peer‐reviewed by leading experts in the field, making this an essential research companion.