CD103-positive dendritic cell (CD103+ DC)

CD103-positive dendritic cells are a specialized subset of conventional myeloid-derived antigen-presenting cells defined by expression of the integrin αEβ7 (CD103). They reside primarily at environmental interfaces such as the intestine, skin dermis, lung, liver, kidney cortex—and migrate from peripheral tissues into draining lymph nodes under both steady-state and inflammatory conditions. These DCs excel at cross-presenting exogenous antigens on MHC class I molecules to activate cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes but also induce regulatory mechanisms such as Foxp3+ regulatory T-cell differentiation through secretion of factors like retinoic acid and transforming growth factor-beta. Their unique ability to balance tolerance with active immunity makes them central players in mucosal homeostasis but also contributors to pathogenesis when dysregulated—implicated both in protection against infection/cancer and promotion/exacerbation of autoimmune diseases including IBD and nephropathy.

Other names

CD103+ DCIntegrin alpha E-positive dendritic cellαE integrin-positive dendritic cellLangerin+CD103+ dendritic cell (for certain tissue subsets)Type 1 conventional dendritic cell (cDC1, when referring to the subset expressing CD103 in mice)

Drugs or biologics that target or modulate these cells would likely act by altering antigen presentation, cytokine production, migration to lymph nodes, or induction/suppression of specific T-cell responses. For example, GM-CSF promotes the expansion and function of this population; blockade could reduce their numbers and downstream pro-inflammatory effects in autoimmunity.