ABSTRACT Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) were originally identified by their specific morphology and by their ability to trap immune-complexed antigen in B cell follicles. In recent years much progress has been made in understanding the molecular signals required for the formation of FDC networks, B cell follicles and germinal centers. Based on these findings FDCs are no longer viewed as accessory cells that passively support germinal centre response but rather as the cells that actively shape humoral immunity. In this review we present recent findings concerning the development and functions of FDCs.
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