follicular dendritic cell Due to its unique lineage and distinct function, this is not a type of dendritic cell; CL:0000451. FMA:83037 MESH:D020566 https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0000442 A cell with extensive dendritic processes found in the B cell areas (primary follicles and germinal centers) of lymphoid tissue. They are unrelated to the dendritic cell associated with T cells. Follicular dendritic cells have Fc receptors and C3b receptors, but unlike other dendritic cells, they do not process or present antigen in a way that allows recognition by T cells. Instead, they hold antigen in the form of immune complexes on their surfaces for long periods and can present antigen to B cells during an immune response. BTO:0004267 https://cdn.humanatlas.io/digital-objects/2d-ftu/spleen-white-pulp/v1.2/assets/2d-ftu-spleen-white-pulp.png Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) are specialized cells found in B cell follicles in secondary lymphoid organs such as lymph nodes and spleen. FDCs play a key role in the immune response by presenting antigens to B-cells, which are responsible for producing antibodies. They accomplish this by acquiring antigens via multiple pathways and retaining them in non-degradative endosomal vesicles which cycle to the cell surface, allowing B-cells to encounter and recognize native antigens. In addition, FDCs secrete various cytokines and chemokines that direct immune cells to sites of infection or inflammation. FDCs are unique among immune cells in that they do not originate from hematopoietic stem cells, but rather from stromal cells in the lymphoid tissues. They are characterized by their distinctive shape, with long, branching processes that form a network within the follicle. FDCs are also distinguished by the presence of complement receptors, Fc receptors, and other molecules that enable them to capture and present antigens to B-cells. Because of their important role in antigen presentation and immune regulation, FDCs have been studied extensively in the context of infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and cancer. Notably, FDCs appear to function as a reservoir for HIV, contribute to autoimmune pathology by presenting autoantigens, and drive FDC sarcoma. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) https://cdn.humanatlas.io/digital-objects/2d-ftu/spleen-red-pulp/v1.2/assets/2d-ftu-spleen-red-pulp.png dendritic cell