Definition of Dendritic cell
Dendritic cell: A special type of cell that is a key regulator of the immune system, acting as a professional antigen-presenting cell (APC) capable of activating naïve T cells and stimulating the growth and differentiation of B cells. Dendritic cells are found, for example, in the lymph nodes and spleen. As an APC, a dendritic cell can retain antigen for long periods on its surface, present the antigen to a T or B cell and so influence their behavior. The word "dendritic" means "branched like a tree." It comes from the Greek "dendron" (tree). Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012
Back to MedTerms online medical dictionary A-Z List 
Need help identifying pills and medications? |
Allergy and Asthma Newsletter
Sign up to stay informed with the latest allergy and asthma-related updates on MedicineNet delivered to your inbox FREE!
BONUS! Get a Free PDF Allergy/Asthma Health Report when you sign up!
