antigen-presenting cell


antigen-presenting cell

Abbreviation: APC
A cell that breaks down antigens and displays their fragments on surface receptors next to major histocompatibility complex molecules. This presentation is necessary for some T lymphocytes that are unable to recognize soluble antigens. Macrophages are the primary antigen-presenting cells, but B cells and dendritic cells also can act as APCs. See: T cell; macrophage processing cellSee also: cell

antigen-presenting cell

A cell, such as a macrophage, a B cell or a dendritic cell, that presents processed antigenic peptides and MHC class II molecules to the T cell receptor on CD4 T cells.