Conventional dendritic cell (cDC)

Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), also called classical dendritic cells, are a primary subset of dendritic cells specialized in antigen presentation and stimulation of T cells, acting as critical mediators between the innate and adaptive immune systems[1][2][3][4][5][9][10]. They arise from a defined hematopoietic progenitor and are found broadly throughout tissues and lymphoid organs, where they monitor their environment for pathogens or danger signals[1][3][5]. Upon recognition of antigens via pattern recognition receptors, they undergo maturation, migrate to lymphoid tissues, and present processed antigens to naïve T cells, thus initiating antigen-specific adaptive immunity[1][2][5][10][11]. In mature form, cDCs display high levels of MHC II and co-stimulatory molecules, secrete a diverse range of cytokines, and contribute to both immune activation and tolerance[1][2][3][5][4]. cDCs can be subdivided into cDC1 and cDC2, each with distinct surface markers, ontogeny, and roles in immune regulation[1][2][9][10]. While critical for host defense and underlie many immunotherapeutic approaches, conventional dendritic cells themselves are not currently direct therapeutic drug targets (i.e., not a receptor, enzyme, or transporter), and their functional manipulation typically occurs indirectly (e.g., through vaccines or immunomodulatory agents)[1][2][4].

Other names

Classical dendritic cellClassical DCcDCMyeloid dendritic cell (sometimes used interchangeably but not precisely synonymous)DC (general term)