[The function of antigen presentation of dendritic cells].

Dendritic cells (DC) are bone-marrow derived cells which are found in many lymphoid or nonlymphoid tissues. DC are characterized by a strong membrane expression of major histocompatibility class II antigens and they play a key role in the initiation of primary immune responses. This function is partly related to the capacity of DC to process exogeneous antigens and to keep them in an immunogenic form while they migrate to peripheral lymphoid organs. The best characterized DC are skin DC, or Langerhans cells, which act as real sentinels of the immune system. The function of these cells can be modulated by exogenous cytokines which provide new insights in the development of vaccine, as well as transplantation strategies.