Article Text
PDFReview
The dendritic cell: its role in intestinal inflammation and relationship with gut bacteria
Abstract
Dendritic cells are antigen presenting cells that are likely to be pivotal in the balance between tolerance and active immunity to commensal microorganisms that is fundamental to inflammatory conditions, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Interactions between dendritic cells and microbial products are discussed and how they contribute to regulation of immune responses. The concept that interactions between dendritic cells and commensal organisms may be responsible for maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis is also explored.
- dendritic cell
- bacteria
- immune regulation
- inflammatory bowel disease
- DC, dendritic cell
- IL, interleukin
- TNF-α, tumour necrosis factor α
- GM-CSF, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor
- IFN, interferon
- LPS, lipopolysaccharide
- TLRs, Toll-like receptors
- DC-SIGN, DC specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3 grabbing non-integrin
- ICAM, intercellular adhesion molecule
- TGF-β, transforming growth factor β
- IBD, inflammatory bowel disease