title: Follicular dendritic cells: dynamic antigen libraries.
abstract: Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) are essential for high-affinity antibody production and for the development of B cell memory. Historically, FDCs have been characterized as 'accessory' cells that passively support germinal centre (GC) responses. However, recent observations suggest that FDCs actively shape humoral immunity. In this Review, we discuss recent findings concerning the antigen acquisition and retention functions of FDCs, and relevant implications for protective immunity. Furthermore, we describe the roles of FDCs within GCs in secondary lymphoid organs and discuss FDC development within this dynamic environment. Finally, we discuss how a better understanding of FDCs could facilitate the design of next-generation vaccines.
authors.affiliation: 1] The Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. [2] Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CX, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Balthasar A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Heesters
authors.affiliation: The Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Riley C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.affiliation: The Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Carroll
mesh_terms: D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D000915:Antibody Affinity / Q000276:immunology; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000276:immunology*; D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000276:immunology*; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000276:immunology; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D020566:Dendritic Cells, Follicular / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D006678:HIV / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D000941:Antigens; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine