Dendritic cell migration through the lymphatic vasculature to lymph nodes

Abstract

The mobilization of antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) from peripheral tissues to draining lymph nodes drives the initiation of adaptive immune responses. Recent advances have been made in understanding how and where DCs enter the lymphatic vasculature and what mechanisms control this process. In this chapter, we highlight these advances. Delineating DC-lymphatic vessel interactions is critical for our fundamental understanding of DC trafficking in states of health and disease and for efforts to manipulate DC mobilization for immunotherapy and vaccination.

Keywords: Adaptive immunity; Antigen presentation; Cell migration; Chemotaxis; Dendritic cell; Lymph node; Lymphatic vessel.