This book is based on the first symposium in the world to focus on dendritic cells. Prominent scholars from around the world focused their attention primarily on interdigitating cells (IDC) and follicular dendritic cells (FDC). With the recent developments of new methods of study, new problems have emerged. The volume reflects the newest research results on these problems and the discussions that took place, thereby elucidating the nature of dendritic cells and paving the way for further research in this field.

General considerations of dendritic cells. Dendritic cells in lymphoid tissues: Their morphology, antigenic profiles and functions. What is an interdigitating cell? What is a follicular dendritic cell? Heterogeneity of dendritic cells. SYMPOSIA. General aspects of dendritic cells in lymphoid tissues. Dendritic cells in situ and in vitro. An immunohistological study on dendritic cells of murine dermis regional lymph node paracortex using monoclonal antibody M1-8 in delayted-type contact hypersensitivity. Distribution and function of dendritic cells in the spleen. Cytogenesis and characteristics of interdigitating cells (IDC). S100+ cells and IDC: Search for IDC-precursors and analysis of differentiation of IDC. The characterization of interdigitating reticulum cells: A comparison between Langerhans cells. Dendritic cells in the thymus. Tolerance induction in the thymus: Role of medullary dendritic cells and possible alternative mechanisms. Dendritic cells in human thymus and thymoma. Characteristics of follicular dendritic cells. An immunohistochemical study on the phenotypic immunostaining pattern of follicular dendritic cells in reactive and pathological lymphoid tissues. Ultrastructure of follicular dendritic cells. Intercellular relations between follicular dendritic cells (FDC) and other cells. Follicular dendritic cells and antigen presentation. Intercellular communications in the lymph follicles. Role of immune complex trapped on follicular dendritic cells (FDC) in the germinal center (GC) in the secondary response. Functional aspects of follicular dendritic cells. Long-term cultivation of human tonsil follicular dendritic cells. Follicular dendritic cell associated proliferation of human lymphocytes in vitro. Immunogenicity of follicular dendritic cell (FDC) associated antigen. Dendritic cells in disease. Abnormal follicular hyperplasia of the persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL) syndrome in HIV-1 infected patients: The results of an immuno-morphologic study. Deterioration of B-cell proliferation correlates with the destruction of follicular dendritic cells in germinal center of HIV-infected lymph nodes. Neoplastic nature and causes of death in Letterer-Siwe disease. Interdigitating cell sarcoma (ITC): Immunocytochemical studies with monoclonal anti-ICS antibodies. Morphology and function of (lymphoid) dendritic cells and related cells. Dendritic cells: Morphofunctional analysis in health and disease. Lymphoid dendritic cells in the reticular framework of RES. Induction of dendritic cells in rat peritoneal cavity after Bacillus Calmetteguerin administration. Maturation, migration and function of dendritic leukocytes after transplantation. Dendritic cells from adenoids of children with otitis media with effusion. A model mouse defective in M-CSF production: Molecular biology and pathology of osteopetrosis mouse (OP/OP). Poster presentations. 20 posters were presented. A full contents list is available from the Publisher on request.