Pattern recognition and costimulatory receptors on dendritic cells

Pattern recognition and costimulatory receptors on dendritic cells (DCs) represent a broad functional class of proteins essential for the initiation and regulation of the adaptive immune response rather than a single molecular target (Kawai & Akira, 2011, Immunity). Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), serve as the primary sensors for detecting exogenous pathogens and endogenous danger signals (Chen & Flies, 2013, Nat Rev Immunol). Activation of these PRRs triggers DC maturation, which is characterized by the upregulation of costimulatory molecules such as CD40, CD80 (B7-1), and CD86 (B7-2). These costimulatory receptors interact with their cognate ligands on T cells to provide the necessary signals for T-cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation (Vonderheide, 2020, Cancer Cell). In oncology, agonists for PRRs or costimulatory receptors are developed to enhance anti-tumor immunity, while in autoimmune diseases, the inhibition of these pathways is used to induce immune tolerance. Therapeutic agents targeting these pathways include small molecule agonists like imiquimod and biologics like the CTLA-4-Ig fusion protein abatacept.

Other names

Dendritic cell activation markersInnate immune receptorsAntigen-presenting cell costimulatory moleculesPRRs and CSRs

Agonism of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to induce dendritic cell maturation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production; agonism of costimulatory receptors to enhance T-cell priming and effector function; or antagonism/blockade of costimulatory signals to induce immune tolerance and suppress T-cell mediated inflammation.