What are dendritic cells?

dendritic cells, sometimes referred to as DC, are part of a mammalian immune system. In humans and other mammals, these cells are found in tissues and organs that often come into contact with the external environment or external substances. Such tissues and organs include skin, stomach, nose, lungs and other digestive organs, although DC formation initially takes place in progenitor cells in the bone marrow. They operate in tandem with macrophages and lymphocytes for antigens transport, which are molecules that induce an immune response. The branched dendritic structure includes sub -sore tentacles that capture antigens to introduce them to t cells . T cells, also known as white blood cells, then start a defensive immune response. This process allows mammal immune system to adapt to biological attacks on body cells.

Depending on their type and origin, dendritic cells have a relatively short life only from their initial formation. When they are in their immature phase, they can remain asleep afteran indefinite period. Repeated contact with pathogens in the body can cause cell ripening, at this point the cells become active antigen carriers.

Diseases such as HIV/AIDS use the antigen transport process for infection and paralysis of the immune system. By attaching to dendritic cells, the HIV virus can then spread to auxiliary t cells, deactivate them and even use them for replication. This subjugation of the autoimmune reaction was problems in the treatment of HIV infections.

While HIV can use antigen transport to further infect its host, scientists experimented with the use of dendritic cells to prevent, treatment and possible cancer treatment through immunotherapy. Torapes include the formation of cancer vaccines. To achieve this goal, tumor cells are associated with dendritic cells, which then represent cancer with t cells. In some patients this treatmentIt caused a successful response of the antigen, which led to the remission of the patient. In other patients, the cells did not provide any response to the presence of the vaccine.

In mammals other than humans, DCS can show more unique behavior. In addition to provoking an autoimmune reaction, they can also play a more active role in immune defense depending on their environment. The behavior of cells is often dependent on the animal, its specific physiology and its specific method of immune response.