tolDC

Tolerogenic dendritic cells (**tolDC**) are a cell-based immunotherapy designed to restore immune tolerance, particularly in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. TolDCs are produced *ex vivo* from a patient's own monocytes or dendritic cells. These cells are then pharmacologically or genetically manipulated to acquire a tolerogenic phenotype, characterized by reduced costimulatory capacity (low CD40, CD80, CD86), resistance to maturation, and secretion of immunoregulatory molecules. They act primarily by inducing antigen-specific regulatory T cells, promoting T cell anergy, and limiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production by autoreactive T cells. The mechanism of action is fundamentally antigen-specific immune modulation, aiming to "switch off" inappropriate immune responses without causing broad immunosuppression. Multiple protocols exist for generating tolDCs, commonly using agents such as dexamethasone, vitamin D3, and TLR ligands. Clinical trials have shown tolDC therapy to be safe and feasible, with ongoing studies investigating their efficacy and optimal administration route in autoimmune conditions[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].

Other names

tolerogenic dendritic cellstolDC therapytolDCs