HSP Stimulation on Macrophages and Dendritic Cells Activates Innate Immune System

Abstract

Heat shock proteins (HSP) are found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Microbial HSP can activate innate immune system by closely regulating the antigen presentation function of dendritic cells and macrophages that produce proinflammatory cytokines. However, it is not organized how microbial and host HSP activate macrophages and dendritic cells in human and mouse. Besides, knowing the functions of HSP in innate immunology and tumor biology is also necessary for a deep understanding of inflammatory diseases and cancers. Here, we review; (i) how bacterial and mammalian HSP activate the innate immune system through activation of macrophages, (ii) how HSP interrelate with professional APC (dendritic cells) and participate in antigen presentation, and (iii) how HSP play key roles in innate immune system and tumor immunology.