Dendritic cells are potential therapeutic targets in autoimmune neuroinflammation. Studied with transgenic mice and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Conditional ablation of DCs during disease initiation leads to exacerbated EAE course. No increase in regulatory T cells (Treg) in secondary lymphoid organs and CNS. Evidence for a protective role of DCs in the initiating phase of EAE.