Role of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Lung-Associated Inflammation

Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells (pDCs) are important immune orchestrators. One of the most important features of pDCs is the high production of IFN type I that can promote the polarization of T cells towards a Th1 phenotype. Recent evidence has highlighted the relevance of pDCs in therapy for asthma, lung infections and cancer. However, it is to note that pDCs can also participate to suppressive networks via the recruitment of T regulatory cells. Further studies are needed to understand pDCs activity in the lung, not only to elucidate pathological mechanisms, but also to lead towards new therapeutic approaches for lung inflammatory-based diseases. This article outlines recent patents on plasmacytoid DCs.