Updated 25/04/2023. Previously published 25/10/2018

Dendritic Cells are cells that form parts of the immune system. Under the effect of chronic stress, digestive functions are suppressed, undisputedly leading to dysbiosis and low-grade-to-systemic inflammation, which in turn adds fuel to the fire, and induces further stress to the body. 
   
Dendritic cells expand their arm into the lumen of the digestive tract and respond to the microflora present in the area. Symbiotic microflora (the “good” gut bacteria) generates a non-inflammatory response from the dendritic cells. In contrast, dysbiosis (when “bad” bacteria are wreaking havoc) generates an inflammatory response (by the release of pro-inflammatory substances, including alcohol, endotoxins (LPS) and histamine) as shown in the illustration below. 

Increased intestinal permeability, also known as leaky gut syndrome, occurs as a result of the cells contracting (or swelling) and pulling on the protein complexes (tight junctions and adherens) keeping them tightly packed together and impermeable until those tight junctions give way. The gut wall cells may separate, and larger particles enter the bloodstream, including toxins, allergens, endotoxins, bacteria and parasites, and larger food particles.

Dendritic responses to foreign bodies and various substances can be involved in many inflammatory disorders, including asthma.

Another very significant function of dendritic cells is to present bacteria extracted from the mother’s gut lumen to the baby via breastfeeding.

Once again, this is demonstrating the importance for women to be fully prepared for pregnancy and breastfeeding, the two most important stages in the development of a baby, setting him/her for the rest of his/her life.