Effector T cells and Dendritic Cells

Effector T cells are a subset of lymphocytes that mediate the direct cellular response of the adaptive immune system, killing infected or abnormal cells and orchestrating immune reactions via cytokines. Dendritic cells are professional antigen-presenting cells that bridge innate and adaptive immunity by capturing, processing, and presenting antigens to T cells, thus initiating and regulating T cell activation and differentiation. The interaction between dendritic cells and T cells within secondary lymphoid organs is critical for the magnitude and quality of immune responses. Modulating this interaction is a therapeutic strategy in cancer, autoimmunity, and infection but is not typically described as targeting a single molecule or receptor.

Other names

Teffeffector T lymphocyteDC

Enhancement or inhibition of T cell activation by modulating antigen presentation, costimulation, or cytokine release; Induction of immune tolerance or immune activation through manipulation of DC phenotype (e.g., tolerogenic vs immunogenic DCs)