[Dendritic cells and their role in pathology].

The aim of this review is to update the knowledge on dendritic cells (CD), as potent antigen-presenting cells (APC) expressing class II major histocompatibility (MHC) antigen. The different types of DC are derived from a common bone marrow precursor. They differentiate and migrate to lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues under the influence of diverse stimuli. After binding antigen in their periphery they move to the lymph node activating T cells. Depending on the microenvironment, DC express several surface markers and secrete cytokines such as IL-12, Il-1 and TNF alpha. DC play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and viral diseases being relevant in AIDS. These cells also infiltrate human tumors where they could be involved in the induction of anti-tumor immune response. The immunostimulatory properties of DC are currently applied in DC-based therapies of melanoma and lymphoma patients.