Dendritic cell–T cell interaction (DC-T cell interaction)

Dendritic cell–T cell interaction is a fundamental biological process where dendritic cells (DCs), acting as professional antigen-presenting cells, communicate with T cells to initiate or regulate immune responses (Mellman & Steinman, 2001, Nature). This interaction occurs at the immunological synapse and involves the presentation of antigenic peptides via Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules to the T-cell receptor (TCR), alongside various costimulatory and coinhibitory signals (Dustin, 2014, Nature Reviews Immunology). While critical for defending against pathogens and tumors, dysregulation of this interaction can lead to autoimmune diseases or immune evasion by cancers (Banchereau & Steinman, 1998, Nature). Therapeutic strategies often target specific molecules within this interface, such as CTLA-4 or PD-1/PD-L1, to either enhance or suppress the resulting T-cell activity (Sharma & Allison, 2015, Science). Because it encompasses a complex network of multiple receptors and ligands rather than a single protein, it is classified as a cellular process rather than a discrete molecular target.

Other names

DC-T cell synapseImmunological synapseAntigen presentationDC-T cell crosstalkT cell priming

Modulation of costimulatory and coinhibitory signaling pathways within the immunological synapse to regulate T-cell activation and effector function.