The regulatory role of dendritic cells in the immune response

Dendritic cells (DCs) are key regulators of immune reactions. They control early innate responses, regulate longlasting adaptive immunity and contribute to the maintenance of self-tolerance. DCs continuously monitor the environment through a multifaceted innate antigen receptor repertoire and, in response to perturbations, start a complex genetic reprogramming that leads to a complete activation of innate and, then, adaptive immune responses. This review discusses how DCs become efficient activators of NK and, subsequently, T cells following a microbial encounter.