The Role of Dendritic Cells in Granuloma Formation

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells with the ability to induce primary immune responses necessary both for innate and adaptive immunity. Granulomatous immune responses are a form of delayed type hypersensitivity reaction, and pathologically are characterized by the recruitment and organization of activated macrophages and lymphocytes in discrete lesions laced in a network of matrix proteins. Granulomas can be part of both immune protection and disease pathology during the course of various infections and autoimmune diseases. Recently, the role of DCs in granuloma formation and granulomatous diseases has been elucidated. This review will focus on the role of DCs in granuloma formation and granulomatous diseases.