Editing Dendritic cell (section)

== Cytokines ==
The dendritic cells are constantly in communication with other cells in the body. This communication can take the form of direct cell–cell contact based on the interaction of cell-surface proteins. An example of this includes the interaction of the membrane proteins of the [[B7 (protein)|B7]] family of the dendritic cell with [[CD28]] present on the [[lymphocyte]]. However, the [[cell–cell interaction]] can also take place at a distance via [[cytokine]]s.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}

For example, stimulating dendritic cells ''in vivo'' with microbial extracts causes the dendritic cells to rapidly begin producing [[Interleukin 12|IL-12]].<ref name=Reis>{{cite journal  |vauthors=Reis e Sousa C, Hieny S, Scharton-Kersten T, Jankovic D, etal |title=In Vivo Microbial Stimulation Induces Rapid CD40 Ligand–independent Production of Interleukin 12 by Dendritic Cells and their Redistribution to T Cell Areas |journal=J. Exp. Med. |volume=186 |issue=11 |pages=1819–29 |year=1997 |pmid=9382881 |doi=10.1084/jem.186.11.1819 |pmc=2199158}}</ref> IL-12 is a signal that helps send naive [[CD4]] T cells towards a [[T helper cell|Th1]] phenotype. The ultimate consequence is priming and activation of the immune system for attack against the antigens which the dendritic cell presents on its surface. However, there are differences in the cytokines produced depending on the type of dendritic cell. The plasmacytoid DC has the ability to produce huge amounts of [[Interferon type 1|type-1 IFN]]s, which recruit more activated macrophages to allow phagocytosis.<ref name=Siegal>{{cite journal  |vauthors=Siegal FP, Kadowaki N, Shodell M, Fitzgerald-Bocarsly PA, etal | title=The nature of the principal type 1 interferon-producing cells in human blood | journal=Science | date=1999-06-11 | volume=284 | issue=5421 | pages=1835–7 | doi= 10.1126/science.284.5421.1835 | pmid=10364556}}</ref>