DC-CK, a chemokine secreted by dendritic cells in lymphoid tissues, specifically attracts naive T cells.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of what attracts T cells, particularly focusing on naive T cells and the role of dendritic cells:
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Chemokines: The Guiding Signals: Chemokines are a family of small signaling proteins that act as chemoattractants. They guide the migration of cells, including T cells, by creating a concentration gradient. Cells move towards the higher concentration of the chemokine.
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Dendritic Cells (DCs): Sentinels of the Immune System: Dendritic cells are antigen-presenting cells that play a crucial role in initiating T cell responses. They capture antigens in peripheral tissues and migrate to lymphoid organs (like lymph nodes and the spleen).
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DC-CK: A Specific Chemokine for Naive T Cells: DCs secrete a specific chemokine, referred to in the source material as DC-CK, specifically within lymphoid tissues. This chemokine is designed to attract naive T cells. Naive T cells are T cells that have not yet encountered their specific antigen.
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Why is this Important? This attraction is critical for initiating adaptive immune responses. By attracting naive T cells to the lymphoid organs where DCs are presenting antigens, the chances of a T cell encountering its cognate antigen are greatly increased. This interaction triggers the T cell to become activated and initiate an immune response.
In summary, naive T cells are drawn to dendritic cells in lymphoid tissues by a specific chemokine, likely CCL18 or a similar chemokine, secreted by the dendritic cells themselves. This interaction is a crucial step in initiating an adaptive immune response.
