Resumen

It is well known that 17β-estradiol have diverse effects on the development of sexual traits, fertility and survival of neurons. On top of these effects, its participation as an important modulator of several immune functions has been described. For instance, estradiol participation has been invoked in relation to the immune sexual dimorphism, and, on sex associated incidence of several autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, its role during the resistance or susceptibility to many diverse infections (such as viral, bacterial and parasitic) has also been demostrated. Dendritic cells (DCs) have a central role in the activation of the adaptative immune response, and in the maintenance of tolerance. In the last few years, the study of the effects of 17β-estradiol on DCs has shown that this hormone regulates their differentiation and function, in vitro as well as in vivo. Depending on the context, 17β-estradiol is able to exert benefic or deletorious effects. In the present communication, we summarize the described effects of estradiol on DCs, comparing the information obtained from studies in vitro versus the information from in vivo experiments.

Palabras clave: Sex steroids dendritic cells 17β-estradiol immune system antigen presentation autoimmunity sexual dimorphism.

2010-06-15   |   456 visitas   |   Evalua este artículo 0 valoraciones

Vol. 61 Núm.6. Noviembre-Diciembre 2009 Pags. 521-532 Rev Invest Clin 2009; 61(6-ENGLISH)