What are follicular dendritic cells?
Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) are found in the immune system. They are primarily in the lymphatic follicles of secondary lymphoid organs, tertiary lymphoid organs of the lymphatic system or in the germ centers of lymph nodes. These cells cooperate in conjunction with B-cells to maintain immune memory, which is an essential part of prevention of multiple invasions of the same antigens.
The immune system protects the body from infections, diseases and other similar problems that can lead to organ damage and various other body systems. To complete this task, there are different types of cells that create the body to prevent the invasion of the antigen. Follicular dendritic cells are one such type.
Dendritic cells are classified into three groups and each group has a different purpose. Group One represents antigens for activation of T-cells. The second group triggers and maintains immune tolerance so that the immune system does not attack and destroys antigenyvat formed by the body. Follicular dendriticThe cells, the third group, act as a stimulant for B-cells. FDCs have the ability to extend life and improve the functions of B-cells and memory cells they create.
B-cells are cells that produce antibodies. Antibodies neutralize antigens and create memory cells that are specific to each type of antigen. When the same type of antigen attacks again, these cells remember antigen and react faster. After the antibodies begin to respond to the antigen, follicular dendritic cells act as fuel to keep the antibodies running while holding antibodies that bound to antigens. From now on, B-cells provide antibodies and antigen complexes to T-cells to be destroyed.
The ability to act as a reservoir for antibodies that have already been bound to antigens and stimulating skills, follicular dendritic cells also help AID in ripening B-cells. The average life of the ActiveAnete B-cells is only about a week. With another help from these dendritic cells research has shown that B-cells can maintain memory and respond for many months.
Unlike other dendritic cells, follicular dendritic cells have different compositions. While other dendritic cells have hematopoietic properties, which means they resemble cells produced in a marrow, FDC are string cells. This means that they resemble connective tissue cells. Although FDC is not similar to other types of dendritic cells, all are in the same places.