# Dendritic Cells (DCs) Dendritic cells (DCs) engulf pathogens in infected tissues and carry them to lymphoid organs where they stimulate adaptive immune responses. Main Classes of Dendritic Cells: - Follicular Dendritic Cells ### Follicular Dendritic Cells (FDCs) FDCs have **complement receptors** (CR1 & CR2) allowing them to bind to compliment coated antigens/pathogens as they arrive into the lymph node. They also lack the phagocytic abilities typically found in dendritic cells and instead use their **extensive surface area** to display the many antigens they have collected > [!attention] **Follicular Dendritic Cell Lineage** > Despite their similar names, FDCs and DCs do not share the same lineage ![[Follicular Dendritic Cells.png|200]] ## Development of Dendritic Cells > For a full map of the immune cell lineage see: [[Cells of the Immune System]] ## Maturation Process Dendritic cells will continue their [[Phagocytosis|phagocytic]] behavior within the skin tissue until they successfully bind an antigen to their one of their > [!info]- Characteristics of Mature vs Immature Dendritic Cells > **Immature Dendritic Cells** > - Facilitates *receptor mediated* endocytosis/phagocytosis of [[Antibodies|antigens]] > - The receptor used for this is **DEC 205** > - Antigens can also be taken up non-specifically via macropinocytosis (scooping up/engulfing materials) > > --- > **Mature Dendritic Cells** > - a > - *a.k.a. "Interdigitating Reticular Cells"*