T cell and dendritic cell interactions in lymphoid organs: More than just being in the right place at the right time

Abstract

The initiation of T lymphocyte responses within secondary lymphoid organs involves interactions with different subsets of dendritic cells (DCs). Recent studies have revealed the complexity of microanatomical organization within lymphoid organs. Exactly how T cells and DCs locate each other and the type of cellular interactions required for optimal priming of effector and memory T cell responses are beginning to be unraveled. Here we review advances in our understanding of how T cell priming is choreographed during infections, highlight the importance of cell positioning in this process and discuss how a spectrum of cellular interactions shapes T cell activation and differentiation.

Keywords: T lymphocytes; antigen presentation; cell migration; dendritic cells; intravital imaging; secondary lymphoid organs.