A special type of immune cell that is found in tissues, such as the skin, and boosts immune responses by showing antigens on its surface to other cells of the immune system. A dendritic cell is a type of phagocyte and a type of antigen-presenting cell (APC).

Immunocompetent cells of the lymphoid and hemopoietic systems and skin. They function morphologically and phenotypically by presenting or processing antigens, thereby stimulating cellular immunity. They represent the most potent antigen-presenting cells and, therefore, play a critical role in the primary T cell immune response.

Morphologic cell type; follicular d.c. found in germinal layers of spleen and lymph nodes and present antigen to B cells; cortical d.c. found in spleen white pulp and lymph node cortex and present antigen to T cells.

Specialized cells of the hematopoietic system that have branch-like extensions. They are found throughout the lymphatic system, and in non-lymphoid tissues such as SKIN and the epithelia of the intestinal, respiratory, and reproductive tracts. They trap and process ANTIGENS, and present them to T-CELLS, thereby stimulating CELL-MEDIATED IMMUNITY. They are different from the non-hematopoietic FOLLICULAR DENDRITIC CELLS, which have a similar morphology and immune system function, but with respect to humoral immunity (ANTIBODY PRODUCTION).

Spidery-looking immune system cells that help protect the body from harmful substances.