The role of dendritic cells in the pharynx

The tonsils are organized as lymphoepithelial structures that play an important role in protecting both the upper respiratory and alimentary tract regions against incoming antigens. This function requires dendritic cells, professional antigen-presenting cells that act as peripheral sentinels, specia...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology 2003-05, Vol.260 (5), p.266-272
Main Authors: PLZAK, Jan, HOLIKOVA, Zuzana, SMETANA, Karel JR, RIEDEL, Frank, BETKA, Jan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Cell Cycle - physiology
Cell Lineage - physiology
Dendritic Cells - immunology
Dendritic Cells - physiology
Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell - immunology
Humans
Immunity, Cellular - immunology
Infections - immunology
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Medical sciences
Miscellaneous
Neoplasms - immunology
Palatine Tonsil - immunology
Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques
Pharynx - immunology
Pharynx - physiology
Respiratory Mucosa - immunology
Respiratory system
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Summary:The tonsils are organized as lymphoepithelial structures that play an important role in protecting both the upper respiratory and alimentary tract regions against incoming antigens. This function requires dendritic cells, professional antigen-presenting cells that act as peripheral sentinels, specializing in the uptake, processing and presentation of antigenic material. This article gives a brief review on dendritic cells with regard to their origin, life cycle and functions in the pharyngeal mucosa. The regulation of immune responses in tonsils by dendritic cells is discussed. Their importance in some disease states is also mentioned.
ISSN:0937-4477
1434-4726
DOI:10.1007/s00405-002-0552-0