Details for: CL0001056

Cell ID: CL0001056

Cell Name: dendritic cell, human

Description: This cell type is compatible with the HIPC Lyoplate markers for 'dendritic cell'. The inclusion of HLA-DRA in the definition restricts this definition to human dendritic cells.

Synonyms: dendritic cell

Selected Context(s): Overall

Gene Significance Landscape

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Score:
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Genes

Contexts:

Cell Significance Index (CSI) is uniquely calculated to reveal cell-specific gene markers. More info here

Significant Genes List

Genes with the highest and lowest Percentile Rank Scores (PRS) for dendritic cell, human within the selected context(s).

Gene ID: A unique numerical identifier for this specific gene.
Symbol: Shortened abbreviation or name that represents this gene.
Ensembl Gene ID: A unique identifier assigned by Ensembl for genomic data mapping.
CSI Score: A combined effect size and statistical significance measure for dendritic cell, human. Higher scores indicate a stronger, more significant difference in expression.
(Previously described as "Fold Change", but now represents Cliff's Delta × –log10(p).)

Gene ID: A unique numerical identifier for this specific gene.
Symbol: Shortened abbreviation or name that represents this gene.
Ensembl Gene ID: A unique identifier assigned by Ensembl for genomic data mapping.
CSI Score: A combined effect size and statistical significance measure for dendritic cell, human. Higher scores indicate a stronger, more significant difference in expression.
Average CSI: csi sum / gene count
Cell network configuration

This network visualizes key genes for dendritic cell, human. It primarily includes:
1. Top genes highly significant for this cell (Num. Top Cell Genes - based on the 'Min. CSI' setting).
2. Any additional specific 'Context Genes' you add below.
The final network is a combined view. Choose an Interaction Source (pathways or protein interactions) and optionally compare CSI scores with a Baseline Cell Type.

Maximum number of selected genes.
Select a context for the baseline cell.
Select a context for the target cell.
Target Cell for CSI:  dendritic cell, human (CL0001056)

 Legend
Nodes (Genes):
 Query Gene
Node size also reflects Target Cell CSI magnitude.
Node Color (Target Cell CSI in specific network):
 Very High
 High
 Medium
 Low
 Very Low
 N/A or Not Sig.
Edges (Interactions):
 STRING (Protein-Protein)
 ONTOLOGY (Shared Pathway)
 Colors vary by pathway category; default arrow applies.

Loading network (please wait)...

## Summary The [dendritic cell, human](/details-cell/CL0001056), as defined by this analysis, is a professional antigen-presenting cell characterized by a unique and robust expression signature related to high metabolic activity, protein synthesis, and iron homeostasis. While its role in adaptive immunity is confirmed by the specific expression of MHC-related genes like [HLA DPA1](/details-gene/3113) and [B2M](/details-gene/567), the most defining markers based on expression specificity (**Overall** `csi_z`) are genes involved in fundamental cellular processes. The top marker, [TPT1](/details-gene/7178), a translationally controlled tumor protein, suggests that a state of high translational readiness is a key feature of its identity. This profile portrays the dendritic cell as a metabolically primed sentinel, equipped for rapid response and sustained immune activation. ## Key Characteristics and Function Based on the **Overall** context, the functional identity of the human [dendritic cell](/details-cell/CL0001056) is defined by several core biological themes: * **Antigen Presentation and Immune Signaling:** As expected, genes central to antigen presentation are highly specific markers. [B2M](/details-gene/567), the light chain of MHC class I molecules, and [HLA DPA1](/details-gene/3113), a component of MHC class II, show high Cell Significance Index (CSI) scores. This underscores the cell's primary function in processing and presenting antigens to both CD8+ and CD4+ [T-cells](/details-cell/CL0000084). The high specificity of these genes distinguishes dendritic cells as elite antigen-presenting cells. * **High Metabolic and Protein Synthesis Activity:** A striking feature is the prominence of genes involved in cellular metabolism and protein production. The top marker, [TPT1](/details-gene/7178) ([Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2813067/)), is linked to the regulation of translation. This is complemented by high specificity scores for other translational machinery components like [PABPC1](/details-gene/26986), [EEF1B2](/details-gene/1933), and [EEF1D](/details-gene/1936). Furthermore, numerous genes encoding subunits of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, including [ATP5F1E](/details-gene/514), [COX4I1](/details-gene/1327), [COX1](/details-gene/4512), and [ATP5MC2](/details-gene/517), are top markers. This collective signature suggests a high basal energy demand and protein synthesis capacity, likely to support processes like cell migration, antigen processing, and cytokine production. * **Iron Homeostasis and Oxidative Stress Management:** The ferritin heavy and light chain genes, [FTH1](/details-gene/2495) and [FTL](/details-gene/2512), are among the most specific markers. This points to a crucial and defining role for iron sequestration. This may serve to fuel the cell's own high metabolic needs while also potentially restricting iron availability to invading pathogens as part of the innate immune response. Additionally, the specific expression of [GSTP1](/details-gene/2950), which is involved in detoxifying reactive oxygen species ([Link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3664469/)), indicates a well-developed system to manage the oxidative stress inherent to immune activation. * **Cytoskeletal Dynamics:** The high specificity of genes like [CFL1](/details-gene/1072) (cofilin 1) and [MYL6](/details-gene/4637) (myosin light chain 6) highlights the importance of cytoskeletal remodeling. This is consistent with the known functions of dendritic cells, which require high motility to migrate from peripheral tissues to lymph nodes and dynamic membrane changes for antigen uptake (phagocytosis and macropinocytosis). **Overall**, the anti-marker profile helps to further refine the cell's identity. The low significance of genes typical of other myeloid and lymphoid lineages, such as the Fc receptor [FCGR3A](/details-gene/2214) (NK cells, neutrophils), the macrophage scavenger receptor [CD163](/details-gene/9332), and the monocyte chemotactic receptor [CCR2](/details-gene/729230), confirms its distinct lineage and functional specialization, separating it from related phagocytes. ## Clinical Significance and Contextual Roles The gene significance profile in the **Overall** context highlights fundamental aspects of dendritic cell biology that are critical in both health and disease. The constitutive high-specificity expression of MHC components like [B2M](/details-gene/567) and [HLA DPA1](/details-gene/3113) is central to their role in initiating adaptive immunity against pathogens and tumors, but also positions them as key players in autoimmunity and transplant rejection. The prominent metabolic signature has significant clinical implications. The reliance on genes like [GAPDH](/details-gene/2597) and multiple ATP synthase and cytochrome c oxidase subunits suggests that dendritic cell function is tightly linked to energy availability. This metabolic state can be co-opted or suppressed in various diseases. For instance, in the tumor microenvironment, metabolic competition may impair dendritic cell function, contributing to immune evasion. The specific expression of iron-binding proteins [FTH1](/details-gene/2495) and [FTL](/details-gene/2512) is also clinically relevant. Iron metabolism is increasingly recognized as a critical regulator of immune responses, and dysregulation can impact inflammation and infection control. The dendritic cell's role as a potential iron buffer in tissues could influence the local inflammatory milieu. Similarly, the high specificity of [GSTP1](/details-gene/2950), a gene involved in detoxification, suggests these cells are well-equipped to handle oxidative stress, a hallmark of inflamed or cancerous tissues. Variants in [GSTP1](/details-gene/2950) are associated with susceptibility to various cancers, and its specific expression in dendritic cells may influence their survival and function in such environments. ## Potential Mechanisms and Research Directions 1. **Hypothesis:** The unique identity of dendritic cells is defined less by their immune-specific machinery alone and more by a constitutively "poised" state of high translational and metabolic capacity. The top-ranking specificity of genes like [TPT1](/details-gene/7178), multiple translation factors, and mitochondrial components suggests these cells are maintained in a state of readiness, allowing for the rapid and massive up-regulation of cytokines and co-stimulatory molecules upon pathogen sensing, rather than building this capacity from a low baseline. * **Surprising Findings:** It is unexpected that [TPT1](/details-gene/7178), a protein often associated with tumor growth, is the single most specific marker for a primary immune sentinel cell. This reframes its function from being purely oncogenic to a fundamental regulator of cellular preparedness in a non-malignant, high-demand context. * **Testable Questions:** Does siRNA-mediated knockdown of [TPT1](/details-gene/7178) in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells significantly delay or reduce their ability to secrete cytokines like IL-12 and up-regulate CD86 expression following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)? 2. **Hypothesis:** The highly specific expression of ferritin genes ([FTH1](/details-gene/2495), [FTL](/details-gene/2512)) indicates that iron sequestration is a core, non-redundant function of dendritic cells that is essential for shaping the local tissue microenvironment. This serves a dual purpose: fueling their own high-energy demands for migration and T cell activation, while simultaneously acting as an innate defense mechanism by creating an iron-deplete environment that is hostile to invading pathogens. * **Surprising Findings:** The expression specificity of iron metabolism genes ([FTH1](/details-gene/2495)) rivals that of classical antigen presentation molecules ([B2M](/details-gene/567)). This suggests that managing iron is as fundamental to the dendritic cell's unique identity as its role in adaptive immunity. * **Testable Questions:** Does chelating iron from the culture medium or knocking down [FTH1](/details-gene/2495) impair the ability of dendritic cells to migrate towards a CCL19/CCL21 chemokine gradient and effectively stimulate allogeneic T cell proliferation in a mixed lymphocyte reaction?