Question

Question 35 O pts What is the role of dendritic cells in the transition between innate and adaptive immunity? Explain. (This is also a 15-point question) . x x

Answer 1

The dendritic cells are a specialized group of cells that are capable of presenting the pathogenic antigens to the T cells after attacking the pathogens. Cells with the capability of presenting the pathogen antigens are called antigen-presenting cells (APC). These cells encounter the pathogen at the site of infection as part of innate immune system defenses and try to destroy pathogens via phagocytosis, secreting proteins that signal other immune cells to reach the site of infection, etc.. After digesting the pathogen, the pathogenic proteins are presented on to the cell membrane of these APCs. When dendritic cells or APCs migrate to lymph nodes the naive T cells are presented with these antigens expressed on the APC surface resulting in T cell activation. Now the adaptive immune system is activated. Thus we can say dendritic cells are connecting the link between innate and adaptive immune systems. Dendritic cells are the most efficient APC for naive- T cell activation.