Dendritic cell (antigen-presenting function) (DC (antigen-presenting function))

Dendritic cells are specialized immune cells that serve as highly efficient antigen-presenting cells (APCs), capable of capturing, processing, and presenting antigens to T cells in order to initiate adaptive immune responses[1][5]. They acquire antigens through several mechanisms such as phagocytosis, endocytosis, and macropinocytosis, and present peptide fragments via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II molecules to CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, respectively[1][2][3]. Enhancement of antigen-presenting function in dendritic cells is a therapeutic strategy being explored in immunotherapy, notably in cancer and infectious diseases, to boost T cell-mediated immune responses. However, excessive stimulation of dendritic cells may break immune tolerance and lead to autoimmunity[4].

Other names

Dendritic cell antigen presentationDendritic cell-mediated antigen presentationDC antigen presentation