Dendritic cells effector functions

The Impact of Migration of Dendritic Cells on Their Effector Functions... 

Lymphoid dendritic cells promote negative selection in the thymus. This may be attributed to their ability to induce fas-mediated apoptosis. Based on their ability to cause apoptosis and their ability to eliminate self-reactive T cells, lymphoid dendritic cells exhibit a regulatory function instead of a stimulatory immune effector function. Myeloid dendritic cells also have differential effects. For example, T cells can be primed to selectively activate THi responses by CD14-derived myeloid dendritic cells. Naive B cells can be activated in the presence of CD40L and IL-2 to secrete IgM by CD34+, CD14-derived myeloid dendritic cells. This effect on naive B cells is not observed with CD la-derived dendritic cells. 

Fanger NA, Voigtlaender D, Liu C, et al. Characterization of expression, cytokine regulation, and effector function of the high affinity IgG receptor Fc gamma RI (CD64) expressed on human blood dendritic cells. I Immunol 1997 158(7) 3090-8. 

Although pheromones can be considered as a special form of odorants (scents), their actions, effects and functions have similarities to those of hormones. They bind to a specific receptor which then activates an effector system, which initiates an action potential. They bind to specific sensory cells, the neurones, in the olfactory epithelium, which is located on the roof of the nasal cavities. The epithelium consists of three types of cells, basal, supporting and sensory cells (neurones). The neurones are bipolar, that is they possess a single dendrite, which extends from the cell body to the surface of the olfactory epithelium, and an axon that forms a synapse with a nerve that transfers information to the olfactory centre in the brain. The epithelium is covered with a thick layer of mucus, in which the pheromones dissolve. The mucus contains proteins that bind the pheromone(s) for delivery to the olfactory receptors and then to remove them once they have been detected. 

Axon A threadlike process extending from a nerve cell by which impulses are transmitted to other nerve cells or to effector cells such as muscle or gland cells. Most nerve cells have one axon shorter processes that function ion receiving impulses form other neutrons are called dendrites. 

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