Dendritic Cells and Antigen Processing

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts related to dendritic cells and antigen processing as presented in the lecture notes.

Dendritic Cells (DCs)

Specialized antigen-presenting cells that are crucial for activating naive T cells and triggering the primary immune response.

Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs)

Cells that capture and present foreign antigens to T cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and B-cells.

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)

A set of molecules displayed on cell surfaces that present antigen fragments to T cells.

Langerhans Cell

A type of dendritic cell found in the skin that processes antigens and presents them to T cells.

Follicular Dendritic Cells (FDCs)

Dendritic cells located in lymphoid follicles that present antigens to B cells and do not migrate.

Immature Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells that capture and process antigens but are not yet fully functional at presenting them to T cells.

Mature Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells that have processed antigens and are highly effective at presenting them to T cells due to the upregulation of MHC II and co-stimulatory molecules.

Antigen Processing

The process by which APCs capture, process, and present antigens to T cells.

Cytokines

Signaling molecules secreted by immune cells that mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation.

Activation of Naive T Cells

The process by which dendritic cells present processed antigens to naive T cells, initiating a primary immune response.