Chapter 1_Dendritic cells and the basic principles of immune functions -- Chapter 2_Discovery of a new dendritic cell -- Chapter 3_Hematopoietic origins of plasmacytoid dendritic cells -- Chapter 4_Molecular regulation of plasmacytoid dendritic cell identity -- Chapter 5_Type I interferon production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells -- Chapter 6_Tolerogenic functions of plasmacytoid dendritic cells -- Chapter 7_Plasmacytoid dendritic cells and infections -- Chapter 8_Plasmacytoid dendritic cells in autoimmunity and allergy -- Chapter 9_Plasmacytoid dendritic cells and metabolic disorders -- Chapter 10_ Plasmacytoid dendritic cells and cancer -- Chapter 11_Therapeutic targeting of plasmacytoid dendritic cells -- Chapter 12_Experimental methodology for plasmacytoid dendritic cells.

This book provides a systematic review of the development, function, and patho-physiologic role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in humans. The chapters of the book discuss the origin and discovery, hematopoietic development as well as molecular regulation of pDCs in the context of immune activation as well as immune tolerance. It also discusses the role of pDCs in human diseases, including infections, autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, cancers and metabolic disorders, and opportunities for pDC‐targeting therapies in these varied clinical contexts. .