Antigen-presenting cell

/ˈantɪdʒˌɛnpɹɪzˈɛntɪŋ sˈɛl/

/ˈæntɪdʒˌɛnpɹɪzˈɛntɪŋ sˈɛl/

a type of immune cell that displays foreign antigens on its surface to activate other cells of the immune system, such as T cells and B cells, to mount an immune response against the pathogen

What is an "antigen-presenting cell"?

An Antigen-presenting cell refers to a diverse group of immune cells that play a crucial role in the immune response by capturing, processing, and presenting antigens to activate other immune cells, such as T cells. They help initiate and regulate immune responses, aiding in the recognition and elimination of pathogens or abnormal cells in the body. Examples of antigen-presenting cells include dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells.

Examples

1. The MHC class 2, the macrophage is called an antigen-presenting cell.

2. It just binds to MHC class 2 molecules, thereby telling the T helper cell that an encounter has been made with an antigen-presenting cell.

3. So, there's a profound contrast in the behavior of these two kinds of antigen-presenting cells.

4. The T helper cell starts making her own transcription factors, which are used in order to facilitate these complex biological interactions with both antigen-presenting cells, macrophages and dendritic cells, and later on, B cells.