Plasmacytoid dendritic cell

Concept

A type of cell of the immune system. It is mainly present in T-cell areas, close to high-endothelium venules.

They secrete high amounts of type 1 interferon in response to various infectious agents.

They can also differentiate into dendritic cells, regulating the function of T-lymphocytes, exerting a TH1 or TH2 polarization.

Immunophenotype

CD4+, CD68+, granzyme B+, CD123+, CD2AP+, BCL11a, blood dendrtic cell antigen 2+.

Diseases in which these cells are prominent

Cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia; lupus erythematosus; psoriasis; contact dermatitis; Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease; Castleman disease.