Circulating dendritic cells and asthma: Rapid changes following inhaled allergen

Dendritic cells (DC) are thought to play a key role in the initiation and maintenance of T-cell immunity to inhaled antigens. DC density within the bronchial mucosa is increased in stable asthma, and we previously showed a significant reduction in numbers of circulating DC within 24 hours of allergen inhalation (AJRCCM 1998;157: A871). However, the kinetics of this DC response is not clear. Using flow cytometry, we enumerated absolute numbers …