Effects of cytokines on the culture and differentiation of dendritic cells in vitro.

The ability to culture dendritic cells (DC) in vitro has been integral to the dramatic increase in research in the area of immunotherapy. Over time, a number of methods for generating these cells have been developed. This article will provide an overview of the isolation and generation of DC and will give a detailed description of the role specific cytokines play in this process from the mobilization of precursors to the final maturation of DC.