Abstract: Described are novel antibodies specifically recognizing a distinct population of human dendritic cells (DCs) and methods of isolating said DCs using said antibodies. Furthermore, antigens and epitopes recognized by the above-described antibodies as well as polynucleotides encoding said antibodies are provided. Also provided are vectors comprising said polynucleotides as well as host cells transformed therewith and their use in the production of said antibodies. Additionally, polypeptides comprising a domain of the binding site of the aforementioned antibodies, or an antigen or epitope described above and at least one further, preferably functional domain as well as polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides are described. Furthermore, vectors comprising said polynucleotides, host cells transfected with said polynucleotide or vector and their use for the preparation of the above-described polypeptides are provided.