1. Jacques Banchereau is at the Baylor Institute for Immunology, Research, Baylor Research Institute, 3409 Worth Street, Dallas, Texas 75246, USA Ralph M. Steinman is in the Laboratory of Cellular Physiology and Immunology, Rockefeller University, 1230 New York Avenue, New York, New York 10021-6399, USA.

Abstract

B and T lymphocytes are the mediators of immunity, but their function is under the control of dendritic cells. Dendritic cells in the periphery capture and process antigens, express lymphocyte co-stimulatory molecules, migrate to lymphoid organs and secrete cytokines to initiate immune responses. They not only activate lymphocytes, they also tolerize T cells to antigens that are innate to the body (self-antigens), thereby minimizing autoimmune reactions. Once a neglected cell type, dendritic cells can now be readily obtained in sufficient quantities to allow molecular and cell biological analysis. With knowledge comes the realization that these cells are a powerful tool for manipulating the immune system.