Plasmacytoid dendritic cells find their place in the family of dendritic cells and present a pertinent link between innate and adaptive immunity. 

They are known to:

• Produce type 1 interferon
• Generate an antiviral response
• Stimulate macrophages and dendritic cells
• Yield activation and migration of natural killer cells. 

They also act as:

• Antigen-presenting cells
• T-lymphocyte responses stimulators
• Immunoregulators
• Plasma cells differentiators  
• Antibody secretors. 

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells are not commonly found in normal skin, but they may appear during healing processes, viral infections, as well as during inflammatory, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. 

Recent years have witnessed the presence of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in several dermatological diseases, describing their potential role in the pathogenesis of such conditions. 

More research in plasmacytoid dendritic cells in dermatology is necessary to discover new therapeutic targets.

Source: Dias de Oliveira NF, Santi CG, Maruta CW, et al. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells in dermatology. An Bras Dermatol. 2021;96(1):76-81.