Follicular dendritic cells

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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.[2] They share their appearance and some aspects of their function with the other types of dendritic cells. They are, however, classified differently in MeSH. [3]

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.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Liu Y, Grouard G, de Bouteiller O, Banchereau J (1996). "Follicular dendritic cells and germinal centers". Int Rev Cytol 166: 139–79. PMID 8881775. 
  2. ^ van Nierop K, de Groot C (2002). "Human follicular dendritic cells: function, origin and development". Semin. Immunol. 14 (4): 251–7. PMID 12163300. 
  3. ^ MeSH Follicular+Dendritic+Cells
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