Antigen presenting cells

Antigen Presenting Cells

Antigen presenting cells (APCs) (pronounced: an-ti-jen pre-sent-ing cells) are a group of immune cells that mediate the cellular immune response by processing and presenting antigens for recognition by certain lymphocytes such as T cells. They are a vital component of the immune system.

Etymology

The term "antigen presenting cells" is derived from the function of these cells. "Antigen" is a substance that can induce an immune response, "presenting" refers to the action of these cells presenting the antigen to T cells, and "cells" is a basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms.

Types of Antigen Presenting Cells

There are three main types of APCs: Dendritic cells, Macrophages, and B cells. Each of these cells has a different role in the immune response, but all are involved in the presentation of antigens to T cells.

Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells are the most potent of all APCs and are primarily responsible for initiating the primary immune response. They capture, process, and present antigens to T cells in the lymph nodes.

Macrophages

Macrophages are involved in the phagocytosis of pathogens and dead or dying cells. They also present antigens to T cells to initiate an immune response.

B Cells

B cells are involved in the humoral immune response. They can also act as APCs and present antigens to helper T cells.

Function of Antigen Presenting Cells

The main function of APCs is to capture antigens, process them, and present them to T cells. This process is crucial for the activation of T cells and the initiation of an immune response.

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Antigen presenting cells

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