Autoimmune diseases are a group of chronic disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy cells and tissues. This immune misfiring leads to persistent inflammation, organ damage, and systemic complications. There are over 80 recognized autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, many of which can severely impair a person's quality of life [1].
Globally, autoimmune diseases affect an estimated 5-10% of the population, with women representing nearly 80% of diagnosed cases [2]. In the United States alone, over 24 million people are living with autoimmune disorders [3], and the prevalence is steadily increasing. These conditions are among the leading causes of chronic illness and long-term disability.
Traditional treatment strategies rely heavily on immunosuppressants and corticosteroids, which may temporarily reduce symptoms but often come with significant side effects and do not stop disease progression. Moreover, long-term immunosuppression increases susceptibility to infections and cancers [4].
However, in recent years, immunotherapy for autoimmune conditions has become recognized as a safer alternative. Specifically, dendritic cell therapy stands out for its unique ability to modulate the immune response rather than suppress it. By promoting immune tolerance and correcting the pathological self-recognition process, dendritic cell-based approaches offer the possibility of long-term remission without compromising immune defense.
What Are Dendritic Cells?
Dendritic cells are a vital component of the immune system. Known as professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), they act as messengers between innate and adaptive immunity. Their primary role is to capture, process, and present foreign or self-antigens to T cells, initiating either an immune response or immune tolerance depending on the context [5].
Under healthy conditions, dendritic cells help maintain immune homeostasis by distinguishing between harmful pathogens and the body's own tissues. This function is critical for preventing autoimmune reactions, where the immune system mistakenly targets self-cells. When dendritic cell function is impaired or imbalanced, it can lead to a breakdown in tolerance and the development of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis [1, 5].
What makes dendritic cells particularly valuable in immunotherapy is their unique function:
- Immune activation – stimulating T cells to attack foreign threats
- Immune regulation – promoting tolerance to the body's own tissues
In dendritic cells' immune modulation, specially prepared dendritic cells are used to induce immune tolerance, effectively "teaching" the immune system to stop attacking healthy cells [5].
How Dendritic Cell Therapy Works
Dendritic cell therapy for autoimmune diseases is an advanced form of immunotherapy designed to restore immune tolerance rather than suppress immune activity. This innovative approach uses the patient's own dendritic cells, which are collected and modified outside the body to become "tolerogenic" – meaning they help retrain the immune system not to attack its own tissues [6] .
Treatment of autoimmune disorders with dendritic cells typically involves the following steps:
- Cell collection – Monocytes are isolated from the patient's blood.
- Cell transformation – In a specialized laboratory, these cells are exposed to growth factors and cytokines, prompting them to differentiate into dendritic cells.
- Antigen exposure – The lab-grown dendritic cells are then loaded with disease-specific autoantigens (proteins or peptides from the patient's own tissues).
- Reintroduction into the body – These modified dendritic cells are injected into the patient, where they interact with T cells to promote immune tolerance.
In other words, this therapeutic method trains the immune system to "ignore" self-antigens it once misidentified as threats, significantly reducing autoimmune attacks [6].
Compared to traditional immunosuppressants, which, as mentioned above, broadly dampen immune responses and increase the risk of infections and malignancies, dendritic cell therapy offers several key advantages:
- Targeted immune modulation
- Reduced side effects
- Preservation of general immune function
- Potential for long-term remission
Tailored to autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, this personalized, antigen-specific approach represents one of the most targeted advancements in autoimmune disease management today.
Autoimmune Diseases Treated with Dendritic Cells
Dendritic cell therapy is a personalized and disease-specific approach for managing several chronic autoimmune conditions. By restoring immune tolerance, it addresses the root of the disease process – not just the symptoms. Below are five major autoimmune diseases where dendritic cell-based immunotherapy shows therapeutic promise and leads to positive results.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disorder that primarily targets the joints, leading to chronic pain, swelling, and progressive joint deformities. Affecting approximately 1% of the global population, it disproportionately impacts women and can significantly reduce mobility and quality of life [7].
In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial lining of joints. Dendritic cell therapy introduces tolerogenic dendritic cells loaded with autoantigens, such as type II collagen, to reprogram T cells and halt the immune attack. The results of clinical trials show that this form of therapy can reduce disease activity and lower reliance on conventional immunosuppressants [8].
In other words, the use of dendritic cells in rheumatoid arthritis management represents a disease-modifying strategy that focuses on long-term immune correction rather than short-term symptom relief.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition where the immune system damages the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers. Multiple sclerosis affects more than 2.8 million people worldwide, and its incidence is rising, particularly among young adults [9].
In patients with multiple sclerosis, dendritic cell therapy aims to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance to myelin proteins, such as myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) or myelin basic protein (MBP). In recent Phase I clinical studies, tolerogenic dendritic cells were found to be safe and well-tolerated, with a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and relapse rates [10].
These research results show that, unlike standard treatments, this therapy for multiple sclerosis offers therapeutic intervention that reduces disease progression without weakening the overall immune system.
Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are two major forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Together, they affect over 10 million people globally, with increasing prevalence in developed nations [11].
The immune system in IBD erroneously targets gut microbiota and intestinal tissue, leading to ulcers, diarrhea, weight loss, and pain. Dendritic cells play a central role in intestinal immune regulation, and their dysfunction is linked to IBD pathogenesis. Dendritic cell therapy for Crohn's disease and colitis aims to restore mucosal tolerance by modulating T cell responses in the gut.
Pilot studies in patients with severe Crohn's or ulcerative colitis have shown that injecting autologous tolerogenic dendritic cells can reduce inflammation and promote mucosal healing, especially in those resistant to conventional biologics [12].
Therefore, this advanced therapy for autoimmune diseases can potentially lead to long-term remission and improved quality of life in refractory IBD cases.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects approximately 125 million people worldwide, or about 2-3% of the population [13]. It is caused by immune-mediated overproduction of skin cells, leading to scaly plaques, redness, and itching.
Dysregulated dendritic cells are central to the pathogenesis of psoriasis, as they trigger overactivation of T cells in the skin. By using modified dendritic cells to suppress this aberrant signaling, researchers aim to restore balance in the immune system.
Although still in early phases, dendritic cell-based immunotherapy for psoriasis has shown potential in reducing lesion severity and lowering relapse rates after discontinuation of topical or systemic treatments [14].
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. It affects more than 5 million people globally, with 90% of patients being women, often diagnosed in their reproductive years [15].
In lupus, abnormal dendritic cells present self-antigens excessively, leading to widespread immune activation and inflammation. Clinical studies have shown that tolerogenic dendritic cells can downregulate these responses by reprogramming autoreactive T cells and reducing autoantibody production [16].
Simply said, dendritic cell-based therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus offers a method for restoring immune tolerance, potentially reducing flares and long-term organ damage.
Clinical Evidence and Research
The development of dendritic cell therapy has created new possibilities for treating systemic autoimmune diseases. This innovative approach is built upon decades of immunological research, including Nobel Prize-winning discoveries that revolutionized our understanding of the immune system.
In 2011, Dr. Ralph Steinman was posthumously awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering dendritic cells and their critical role in adaptive immunity. His work laid the foundation for utilizing dendritic cells in both cancer immunotherapy and the field of immune modulation for autoimmune disorders.
As discussed above, recent results from clinical studies provide growing evidence supporting the efficacy of tolerogenic dendritic cells for treating autoimmune conditions. Moreover, safety outcomes across studies have been favorable:
- No serious adverse events reported
- Minimal risk of infection
- Immune modulation achieved without global immune suppression
Beyond these outcomes, a pattern of shared benefits can be identified across various autoimmune diseases – including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. While each condition involves different tissues and immune pathways, dendritic cell therapy shows consistent therapeutic advantages:
- Reduction in systemic inflammation and disease-specific biomarkers
- Improved immune tolerance through antigen-specific T-cell reprogramming
- Decreased frequency and severity of disease flares
- Lower reliance on corticosteroids or immunosuppressants
- Preservation of protective immune functions
These results demonstrate the versatility and safety of dendritic cell-based immunotherapy as a targeted, patient-specific approach. Ongoing research continues to expand the application of this method to a broader range of conditions, offering patients hope for durable remission and improved quality of life.
Where to Get Dendritic Cell Therapy
Access to dendritic cell therapy is still limited globally, as it remains an advanced and highly specialized form of treatment. While some clinical trials are available in the U.S., Japan, and select EU countries, Germany has become a leading destination for patients seeking scientifically supported immunotherapies.
Known for its excellent medical infrastructure and strict clinical standards, Germany is among the leaders of immunological innovation. Many German hospitals offer dendritic cell treatment protocols that are not yet widely available elsewhere, especially for patients with complex or treatment-resistant autoimmune conditions.
Patients from around the world choose Germany not only for access to innovative therapies but also for the comprehensive care model. This includes personalized treatment planning, advanced diagnostic tools, and multilingual medical support. For those seeking safe, evidence-based alternatives to traditional immunosuppressants, Germany remains one of the most trusted global hubs for regenerative and immune-modulating care.
A Medical Journey: Every Step of the Way with Booking Health
Finding the right clinic for treatment of autoimmune diseases can be overwhelming – especially after years of battling symptoms, trying conventional therapies, and receiving conflicting medical advice. In such situations, it is easy to settle for standard care options, even when advanced therapies are available. That is where Booking Health steps in.
As a certified medical tourism provider with over 12 years of experience, Booking Health connects patients to leading specialists in Germany, where advanced and innovative treatments, such as dendritic cell therapy, are available. We help you make an informed decision by providing a fully personalized medical journey – one that meets your specific diagnosis, disease progression, and health goals.
We offer:
- Expert assessment and analysis of your medical records
- Development of a customized treatment program
- Direct booking with specialized clinics in Germany
- Preparation and translation of medical documents
- Pre-treatment consultations with German doctors
- Coordination of your travel, visa, and accommodation
- 24/7 support from a personal coordinator and interpreter
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
Dendritic cell therapy is changing the way autoimmune diseases are treated – offering targeted, long-term solutions without the side effects of traditional immunosuppressants. As research continues to advance, more patients are gaining access to therapies that restore immune balance and improve quality of life.
Health is one of your most valuable assets. Choosing where and how to receive your therapy should be entrusted to professionals with proven international expertise. Booking Health is your reliable partner – supporting you at every step toward safer, more effective autoimmune treatment.
If you or your loved one is seeking a more effective and personalized approach to managing an autoimmune disease, consult with Booking Health today and discover your path to better health.
Personalized Dendritic Cell Treatment: Experience with Booking Health
Frequently asked Questions of Our Patients
Send request for treatmentDendritic cell therapy for autoimmune diseases is a form of personalized therapy that aims to retrain the immune system to stop attacking the body's own cells. It uses laboratory-modified dendritic cells to promote immune tolerance, helping reduce inflammation and prevent disease progression without suppressing normal immune functions.
Yes, dendritic cell therapy has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in early-phase clinical trials. As a form of immunotherapy, it is designed to be highly targeted, reducing the risks associated with traditional immunosuppressive treatments. Most patients experience mild or no side effects, especially when autologous (self-derived) cells are used.
Current studies and treatment programs using dendritic cell therapy target several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. However, research continues to investigate and expand its therapeutic potential for other chronic autoimmune conditions.
Unlike broad immunosuppressants, dendritic cell therapy focuses on immune modulation, helping restore immune balance without weakening the overall immune system. This form of immunotherapy promotes antigen-specific tolerance rather than shutting down immune responses altogether.
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Authors:
This article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, and Dr. Bohdan Mykhalniuk. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Our editorial policy, which details our commitment to accuracy and transparency, is available here. Click this link to review our policies.
Sources:
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[2] Cureus. The Prevalence of Autoimmune Disorders in Women: A Narrative Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7292717/
[4] Cureus. Autoimmunity and Cancer: Two Stations on the Same Continuum. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10944658/
[5] British Society of Immunology. Dendritic Cells. https://www.immunology.org/public-information/bitesized-immunology/cells/dendritic-cells
[6] Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology. Dendritic Cells as Orchestrators of Anticancer Immunity and Immunotherapy. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41571-024-00859-1
[7] World Health Organization. Rheumatoid Arthritis. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rheumatoid-arthritis
[8] Clinical & Experimental Immunology. Tolerogenic Dendritic Cell Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Where Are We Now? https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1352458520970841
[9] Multiple Sclerosis Journal. Rising Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis Worldwide: Insights from the Atlas of MS, Third Edition. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2023.1143578/full
[10] BMJ Open. Tolerogenic Dendritic Cell-Based Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A Harmonised Study Protocol for Two Phase I Clinical Trials Comparing Intradermal and Intranodal Cell Administration. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6738722/
[11] International Journal of Colorectal Disease. Global, Regional, and National Burden of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, 1990-2021: Insights from the Global Burden of Disease 2021. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11380638/
[12] Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. Human Intestinal Dendritic Cells in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mnfr.201700931
[13] National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis Statistics. https://www.psoriasis.org/psoriasis-statistics/
[14] Journal of Controlled Release. Dendritic Lipopeptide-Based Transdermal siRNA Delivery Systems for Effective Non-Invasive Therapy in Psoriasis. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168365925001907
[15] Nature Reviews Rheumatology. Global Epidemiology of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8982275/
[16] Rheumatology & Autoimmunity. Human CD141+ Dendritic Cells: A Unique Tolerogenic Subset Inducing Immune Tolerance in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rai2.12173?msockid=1d5ff35870e466a31fb5e55c71cc67f7
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