What does APC stand for in antibody?
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APC in Antibody Context
APC stands for Antigen-Presenting Cell. These are a diverse group of immune cells that play an essential role in initiating the body's immune response against pathogens. APCs process and present antigens (foreign substances that induce an immune response) on their surface to T-cells, a type of lymphocyte that plays a central role in cell-mediated immunity.
Types of APCs
- Dendritic Cells
- Macrophages
- B Lymphocytes
Function
APCs perform a critical function in the immune system by capturing antigens, processing them, and presenting them on their surface in a form that can be recognized by T-cells. This interaction is crucial for the activation of T-cells, which then proliferate and differentiate into effector cells that help eliminate the antigen.
Mechanism of Action
APCs internalize antigens through phagocytosis or endocytosis, process them, and then present peptide fragments of the antigens bound to Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules on their surface. There are two main types of MHC molecules: MHC class I and MHC class II. APCs primarily use MHC class II molecules to present antigens to CD4+ T-helper cells.
Importance in Immunology
Understanding the role of APCs is crucial in immunology for developing vaccines and immunotherapies. By targeting APCs or their pathways, scientists can enhance or modulate the immune response against various diseases, including infections, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
References
- Khan Academy: Professional Antigen-Presenting Cells (APC) and MHC II complexes