Follicular dendritic cells: B-cell proliferation and maturation.
Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) play a pivotal role in the initiation and maintenance of the secondary humoral immune response. FDC located in the follicles of secondary lymphoid tissues are part of a special mechanism that handles antigen in a specific antibody-rich environment and are integral members of the antigen transport cell-FDC-iccosome-B-cell axis that leads to the formation of germinal centers, antibody-forming cells, and memory B-cells. This review briefly outlines the basic biology of FDC function and provides a source of pertinent references.
Szakal
A K
AK
Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298.
Tew
J G
JG
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice