Question

Compare and contrast the phagocytic action of a dendritic cell versus that of a B cell. What is the key difference and in what ways are they the same?

Answer 1

Dendritic cells are professional antigen presenting cells. Dendritic cells have long processes that can be extended and retracted. These processes increase the surface area for engulfing the pathogen. Dendritic cells can internalize pathogens in three distinct ways. Antigen can be directly phagocytosed, antigen can be taken in through receptor mediated endocytosis or through pinocytosis. After pathogen capturing dendritic cells develop co-stimulatory receptor for the activation of t-cells.

B lymphocytes are also professional antigen presenting cells.They possess membrane bound B-cell receptors (BCR). B- cell receptors are basicallmembrane bound immunoglobulins. Each B cell has unique B cell receptors. B cells internalize the  antigens through receptor mediated endocytosis with the help of BCR.