Immunoglobulin-Dependent Regulation of Dendritic Cells in the Context of Autoimmune Responses

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen-presenting cells that are specialized in the uptake of antigens and their transport from peripheral tissues to the lymphoid organs. Because of their capacity to stimulate naïve T cells, DC have a central role in the initiation of primary immune responses and are considered promising tools and targets for immunotherapy. Investigating the signals that regulate the function of DC, the sentinels of the immune system, is also critical to understanding the role of DC in the regulation of immune response. We have assessed the effects of natural antibodies in the form of therapeutic intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) on the regulation of the function of DC. We have observed that DC are the primary targets for the immunosuppressive effects of IVIg on T-cell activation. This review focuses on the effects of IVIg on DC development and function.

Current Concepts on Immune Regulation: Impact on Scientific and Clinical Aspects of Immunohematology

“…Accumulating evidence indicates that B lymphocytes exert regulatory effects on the antigen-presenting function of dendritic cells. Srini V. Kaveri and colleagues, France, have recently shown that natural antibodies sustain the differentiation and maturation of human dendritic cells, and focus in their review on the effects of therapeutic intravenous immunoglobulins on the development and function of dendritic cells [9].…”