Regulation of the multifaceted functions of human plasmacytoid dendritic cells: a polyphonic policy

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are immune cells that belong to the innate immune system. Since pDCs are able to directly respond towards a broad range of viruses and bacteria and are capable of presenting antigens to T cells, pDCs have been put forward as a link between the innate and adaptive immune system. In this thesis we describe several molecular regulators that are involved in important pDC functions such as production of type I IFN, expression of costimulatory molecules and presentation of antigens to T cells. In addition, we have investigated the role of pDCs during T cell development in the human thymus. The work presented in this thesis contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the multifaceted pDC functions and shows potential targets for future interventions in regulation of immunity and inflammation.