Dendritic cells (DCs) act as gatekeepers between immunity and tolerance. Initially, it was postulated that mature DCs promote effector T cell responses and immature DCs promote tolerance. Recent studies have shown instead that two distinct modes of DC maturation exist — homeostatic and immunogenic. Here, Bosteels and Janssens discuss our current understanding of homeostatic DC maturation and how this contributes to immune tolerance, with a focus on the cDC1 compartment.
- Victor Bosteels
- Sophie Janssens
