Review
Mucosal Immunology (2008) 1, 451–459; doi:10.1038/mi.2008.57; published online 10 September 2008
Dendritic cells and macrophages in the genitourinary tract
N Iijima1, J M Thompson1 and A Iwasaki1
1Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Correspondence: A Iwasaki, (akiko.iwasaki@yale.edu)
Received 22 July 2008; Accepted 7 August 2008; Published online 10 September 2008.
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages are antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that are important in innate immune defense as well as in the generation and regulation of adaptive immunity against a wide array of pathogens. The genitourinary (GU) tract, which serves an important reproductive function, is constantly exposed to numerous agents of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To combat these STIs, several subsets of DCs and macrophages are strategically localized within the GU tract. In the female genital mucosa, recruitment and function of these APCs are uniquely governed by sex hormones. This review summarizes the latest advances in our understanding of DCs and macrophages in the GU tract with respect to their subsets, lineage, and function. In addition, we discuss the divergent roles of these cells in immune defense against STIs as well as in maternal tolerance to the fetus.
