Dendritic Cell Life Cycle

Dendritic cells are mainly found in tissue that has contact with the outside environment such as the skin and the lining of the nose, lungs, stomach and intestines. The cells are also found in an immature state in the blood. During certain stages of development, dendritic cells develop branched projections called “dendrites,” which is why they are so named.

Once activated, dendritic cells move towards the lymphoid tissues to interact with T cells and B cells and initiate the adaptive immune response.

Dendritic cells are formed from hematopoietic progenitor cells in the bone marrow. Initially, the progenitor cells form immature dendritic cells that have endocytic capability but a low capacity to stimulate T cells. These immature cells monitor their environment for invaders such as bacteria and viruses, which they achieve through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as the toll-like receptors (TLRs). As soon as these immature cells come into contact with a presented antigen, they mature and move towards the lymph nodes.

The immature dendritic cell engulfs the pathogen and breaks down its proteins, which it presents on its surface using MHC molecules once it matures. At the same time, the cell-surface receptors that act as co-receptors in T-cell activation are upregulated by dendritic cells.

Furthermore, the CCR7 receptor is also upregulated. This chemotactic receptor induces the movement of dendritic cells through the blood and towards the spleen or lymph node where they activate T cells and B cells through antigen presentation.

Activated macrophages (another type of antigen presenting cells) are known to have a lifespan of a few days, with some research suggesting this extends to weeks, and the lifespan of activated dendritic cells is understood to be similar. However, it appears that immature dendritic cells can remain in their inactivated state for significantly longer periods of time.

Further Reading

Last Updated: Jun 21, 2023

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Written by

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Dr. Ananya Mandal is a doctor by profession, lecturer by vocation and a medical writer by passion. She specialized in Clinical Pharmacology after her bachelor's (MBBS). For her, health communication is not just writing complicated reviews for professionals but making medical knowledge understandable and available to the general public as well.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Mandal, Ananya. (2023, June 21). Dendritic Cell Life Cycle. News-Medical. Retrieved on October 31, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Dendritic-Cell-Life-Cycle.aspx.

  • MLA

    Mandal, Ananya. "Dendritic Cell Life Cycle". News-Medical. 31 October 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Dendritic-Cell-Life-Cycle.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Mandal, Ananya. "Dendritic Cell Life Cycle". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Dendritic-Cell-Life-Cycle.aspx. (accessed October 31, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Mandal, Ananya. 2023. Dendritic Cell Life Cycle. News-Medical, viewed 31 October 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Dendritic-Cell-Life-Cycle.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Triad of immune cells key to successful cancer immunotherapy, study finds