Dendritic Cells in Fundamental and Clinical Immunology

Among the revelations from the gathering was how large quantities of dendritic cells can be generated from precursors in both mice and humans, thus overcoming the difficulty of preparing sufficient cell numbers and in a reasonably pure form that has hindered research. In general the 94 selected papers cover dendritic cell development and migration; antigen uptake, processing, and presentation; tolerance, cytokine networks; viral infections; molecular specializations; follicular dendritic cells; and adjuvants for immune therapy. A sampling of specific topics shows dendritic-like cells from relB mutant mice, a newly identified antigen retention compartment in the FSCD precursor dendritic cell line, an attempt to induce tolerance by infusing donor bone marrow into organ allograft recipients, and observations in a skin organ culture model of the maturation and migration of murine dendritic cells in situ.

Beyond its central premise, the book can be read through the connected lenses of Nonfiction. Those themes offer useful points of attention as the characters, ideas, or world develop, especially where the book complicates the expectations of its primary category.