Recombinant antigen delivery to dendritic cells as a way to improve vaccine design

Dendritic cells are central to the development of immunity, as they are specialized in initiating antigen-specific immune responses. In this review, we briefly present the existing knowledge on dendritic cell biology and how their division in different dendritic cell subsets may impact the development of immune responses. In addition, we explore the use of chimeric monoclonal antibodies that bind to dendritic cell surface receptors, with an emphasis on the C-type lectin family of endocytic receptors, to deliver antigens directly to these cells. Promising preclinical studies have shown that it is possible to modulate the development of immune responses to different pathogens when monoclonal antibodies fused to pathogen-derived antigens are used to deliver the antigen to different subsets of dendritic cells. This approach can be used to improve the efficacy of vaccines against different pathogens.

Automated summary

Dendritic cells play a central role in immune development and initiate antigen-specific immune responses. This review discusses the biology of dendritic cells and how their division into subsets affects immune responses. The use of chimeric monoclonal antibodies to deliver antigens to dendritic cells shows promise in modulating immune responses and improving vaccine efficacy against different pathogens.