Regulation of plasmacytoid dendritic cell development

Curr Opin Immunol. 2010 Apr;22(2):206-11. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2010.01.005. Epub 2010 Feb 9.

Abstract

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) represent a distinct immune cell type specialized in direct virus recognition and rapid secretion of type I interferon. The origin and lineage affiliation of PDC have been controversial, partly because PDC show features of both lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DC). Recent studies helped elucidate the cellular and molecular basis of PDC development. In particular, the common developmental origin and genetic similarity of PDC and classical antigen-presenting DC have been established. In addition, E protein transcription factor E2-2 was shown to control lineage commitment and gene expression program of PDC. Because E proteins are essential regulators of lymphocyte development, E2-2 activity may underlie the distinct 'lymphoid' features of PDC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Lineage
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Humans
  • Interferon Type I / immunology
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • TCF Transcription Factors / immunology*
  • Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein

Substances

  • Interferon Type I
  • TCF Transcription Factors
  • TCF7L2 protein, human
  • Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 Protein