Question

What are the possible entities that can be attached to a dendritic or Langerhans cell?

1) cell-free virus
2) infected cell
3) virion

Answer 1

Dendritic cells can attach to cell-free viruses, infected cells, and virions. They phagocytize pathogens and present their antigens to T cells, activating an immune response. Dendritic cells also identify and destroy infected cells, and act as phagocytes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Dendritic cells, also known as antigen-presenting cells, play a crucial role in immune response. They can attach to various entities, including cell-free viruses, infected cells, and virions.

When a dendritic cell encounters a pathogen, it phagocytizes the pathogen and places it into a vesicle. The pathogen is then digested by lysosomes to extract its antigens. The dendritic cell presents these antigens to T cells, activating an immune response to fight the infection.

In the case of viruses, dendritic cells can identify infected cells and destroy them. They also act as phagocytes, engulfing and digesting pathogens.