Synovial fluid CD1c(+) myeloid dendritic cells – the inflammatory picture emerges

Dendritic cells (DCs) comprise a heterogeneous group of antigen-presenting cells with many specialized functions, including essential constitutive roles in priming immune and autoimmune responses and in the maintenance of peripheral self-tolerance. At the interface of the innate and adaptive immune systems, they contribute considerably to the production of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators with diverse functions. Emerging evidence suggests that the wide involvement of DCs in immunity and tolerance reflects the function of specialized DC subsets.