The cell biology of antigen presentation in dendritic cells

Dendritic cells are the most efficient antigen-presenting cells. They take up antigens and pathogens, generate MHC–peptide complexes, migrate from the sites of antigen acquisition to secondary lymphoid organs and, finally, they physically interact with and stimulate T lymphocytes. Indeed, dendritic cells are the only antigen-presenting cells that induce the activation of resting T cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, dendritic cells initiate adaptive immune responses and determine tolerance. To do so, dendritic cells have developed unique membrane transport pathways. The molecular mechanisms responsible for the control of antigen uptake and processing, for the generation of MHC–peptide complexes and for their transport to the cell surface have been partially unraveled in the past two years.