Understanding Dendritic Cells and Their Role in Cutaneous Carcinoma and Cancer Immunotherapy
Figure 2
Different DC subsets have unique roles in shaping the immune response. (a) LCs are key mediators of cellular immunity and will preferentially activate CD8+ T cells and NK cells through the secretion of IL-15. LCs are also capable of cross-presenting foreign antigen, which results in a robust proliferation of naive CD8+ T cells and the generation of a highly specific cytotoxic T cell (CTL) response. This may contribute to the formation of immunologic memory. (b) PDCs respond to foreign antigen with the release of large amounts in IFN-α. This serves to activate a predominantly CD8+ and NK cell response. (c) Dermal CD14+ DCs are critical in the regulation of humoral immunity. When activated, they secrete IL-6 and IL-12, which promotes IgM secretion from naive B cells and the generation of mature antibody-secreting plasma cells. IL-12 will also trigger the differentiation of T follicular helper cells (Tfh) from CD4+ T cells, which may contribute to the formation of memory B cells.
