Dendritic cell development in infection.

• Microbial pathogens differently affect DC development either directly by PRRs and/or indirectly by inflammatory mediators. • Systemic bacterial infection results in impaired DC development but increased monocyte production. • Self-limiting infections promote innate immune memory and protect from secondary infections. • severe infections affect DC development leading to long-term immunosuppression. The immune system protects from infections primarily by detecting and eliminating invading pathogens. This is predominantly mediated by innate immune cells like neutrophils, monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) expressing specific receptors recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns. DC activation by pathogens leads to the initiation of antigen-specific adaptive immune responses, thereby bridging the innate and adaptive immune systems. However, various pathogens have evolved immune evasion strategies to ensure their survival. In this review, we highlight recent findings on how various microorganisms or their structural features affect or modulate DC development and whether this has any consequences for a protective immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]