Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
10:07
Highly Resolved Intravital Striped-illumination Microscopy of Germinal Centers
Published on: April 9, 2014
Follicular dendritic cells and germinal centers
Y J Liu1, G Grouard, O de Bouteiller
1Laboratory for Immunological Research, Schering-Plough, Dardilly, France.
International Review of Cytology
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) are crucial stromal cells in lymphoid follicles, supporting B cell survival and antibody responses. Their exact origin and antigen retention mechanisms require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) reside in lymphoid follicles and are essential for B cell maturation.
- FDCs retain antigens long-term, playing a key role in adaptive immunity and germinal center formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics and functions of FDCs.
- To discuss the ongoing controversy regarding FDC origins.
- To highlight FDC involvement in diseases like follicular lymphoma and HIV.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and research findings.
- Analysis of cellular interactions and molecular mechanisms.
- Discussion of immunological assays and cell surface markers.
Main Results:
- FDCs are critical for B cell survival, activation, and differentiation within germinal centers.
- FDCs retain antigen-antibody complexes via complement and Fc receptors.
- Evidence suggests two distinct dendritic cell populations in human germinal centers: stromal FDCs and hematopoietic germinal center dendritic cells (GCDCs).
Conclusions:
- FDCs are vital stromal cells supporting B cell immunity.
- The precise origin of FDCs remains debated, with potential stromal and hematopoietic contributions.
- FDCs are implicated in lymphomagenesis and HIV pathogenesis.
More Related Videos
07:39Isolation of CD4+ T-cells and Analysis of Circulating T-follicular Helper (cTfh) Cell Subsets from Peripheral Blood Using 6-color Flow Cytometry
Published on: January 7, 2019
07:07Evaluation of T Follicular Helper Cells and Germinal Center Response During Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice
Published on: June 27, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:18Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells and tissues are integral to the immune system, which is crucial in maintaining our body's defense against harmful pathogens. They form the building blocks of lymphoid organs, which include the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes.
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
01:16Primary Lymphoid Organs
Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
01:22Antigen Presenting Cells
The immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that protects the body from foreign invaders. T cells, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in this process. They recognize and attack foreign substances, such as pathogens, that enter the body.
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...