Follicular Dendritic Cell (CNA.42), MMab

Summary and Explanation

Follicular Dendritic Cells (FDC) are immune cells whose main function is to process antigen material and present it superficially to other cells of the immune system. Dendritic cells are present in small quantities in tissues that are in contact with the external environment, mainly the skin (where they are often called Langerhans cells) and the inner lining of the nose, lungs, stomach and intestines. They can also be found in an immature state in the blood. Once activated, they migrate to the lymphoid tissues where they interact with T-cells and B-cells to initiate and shape the immune response.

Follicular Dendritic Cell antibody (FDC) is useful in the identification of follicular dendritic cell matrix found in normal lymph nodes and tonsillar tissue. This antibody has been found to label cells in approximately 60% of Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphomas, and approximately 45% of T-cell Lymphomas. This antibody also labels Follicular Dendritic Cell Tumors. Several normal non-lymphoid tissues are labeled with anti-FDC: pancreatic islet cells, gastric chief cells, myelin sheaths, salivary glands, Leydig cells of the testis, and endothelial cells.