T cell activation via dendritic cell presentation

T cell activation via dendritic cell (DC) presentation is a central process in adaptive immunity, where DCs act as professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to initiate and shape T cell responses. This interaction determines the magnitude, quality, and type of immune response or tolerance. DCs capture, process, and present antigens to T cells, providing signals for activation, differentiation, and proliferation. The process involves MHC-peptide complex binding to TCR, costimulatory signals (e.g., CD80/CD86-CD28), and cytokine signaling. Dysregulation of this process is implicated in autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Agonistic anti-CD40 antibodies enhance DC activation; PD-L1 inhibitors block inhibitory signaling.