Cross-talks between natural killer cells and distinct subsets of dendritic cells

• Main Authors: Guido eFerlazzo, Barbara eMorandi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2014-04-01
• Series: Frontiers in Immunology
• Subjects: Cross-Priming; Dendritic Cells; Humans; Natural Killer cells; Th1 polarization
• Online Access: http://journal.frontiersin.org/Journal/10.3389/fimmu.2014.00159/full

In recent years, the essential role of bidirectional cross-talk between natural killer (NK) and dendritic cells (DC) during immune responses has been clearly elucidated. In particular, this cross-talk results in the development of an efficient innate response, through DC-mediated NK cell activation, and a potent adaptive immune response, through NK-mediate DC editing and maturation. <br/>Recently, some novel human DC subsets have been identified: migratory DCs in afferent lymph and draining lymph nodes; CLEC9A+/ BDCA3+ DCs in interstitial dermis, liver, lung; inflammatory DCs in several fluids secondary to flogosis. At the same time, it has been shown that also human NK cells are present in these compartments. <br/>Here we will review the most recent findings on NK/DC cross-talk and we will discuss the necessity of acquiring more complete knowledge about these interactions in view of the new information available on both DC and NK cell subsets. <br/>