Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Follicular dendritic cells
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) are cells of the immune system found in lymph follicles.[1] They are probably not of hematopoietic origin, but simply look similar to true dendritic cells. They share their appearance and function with the other types of dendritic cells. They are, however, classified differently in MeSH. [2]
They assist in B cell maturation by the presentation of intact antigen to the B cells. This occurs in the germinal centers of peripheral lymphoid organs and induces class switching and proliferation.
References
References
- ↑ Liu Y, Grouard G, de Bouteiller O, Banchereau J (1996). “Follicular dendritic cells and germinal centers”. Int Rev Cytol. 166: 139–79. PMID 8881775.
- ↑ Follicular+Dendritic+Cells at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]