Journal article

From Cell Death and Activation to Paralysis: Dysregulated Conventional Dendritic Cells in SIRS, Sepsis and Major Trauma Promote Immunosuppression

M Ashayeripanah, A Roquilly, J Villadangos

Immunological Reviews | Published : 2026

Abstract

Conventional dendritic cells (cDC) are pivotal for initiating antigen-specific T-cell responses. Upon encountering pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/DAMPs) or inflammation, cDC undergo direct or indirect activation. Directly activated cDC acquire additional antigens and present them to prime T-cells but become unresponsive to new antigens. In contrast, indirectly activated cDC remain capable of efficient antigen presentation upon subsequent exposure to PAMPs/DAMPs. Due to cDC's short lifespan, activated cDC are replenished within days by newly generated immature/resting cDC. However, during systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), early depletion and systemic a..

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University of Melbourne Researchers