Role of mouse dendritic cell subsets in priming naive CD4 T cells

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are potent antigenpresenting cells that consist of developmentally, phenotypically, and functionally distinct subsets. Following immunization, each subset of cDCs acquires the antigen and spatiotemporal kinetics in the secondary lymphoid organs, often causing multiple waves of antigen presentation to CD4T cells. Here, we review the current understanding of the kinetics of antigen presentation by each cDC subset and its functional consequences in priming naive CD4T cells, and discuss its implications in the differentiation of CD4T cells.

Automated summary

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are a powerful type of antigen-presenting cells, consisting of different subsets with distinct developmental, phenotypic, and functional characteristics. After immunization, each subset of cDCs acquires antigens in the secondary lymphoid organs and presents them to CD4T cells in a spatiotemporal manner, resulting in multiple waves of antigen presentation. This review focuses on the kinetics of antigen presentation by each cDC subset and its impact on priming naive CD4T cells, as well as its implications in CD4T cell differentiation.