professional antigen presenting cell
A cell capable of processing and presenting lipid and protein antigens to T cells in order to initiate an immune response. [ http://openisbn.com/search.php?q=0781735149&isbn=1/ GOC:add ]
Term info
Note change of name; nearly all somatic cells can present antigens to T cells via MHC Class I complexes leading to effector responses, but professional antigen presenting cells constitutively express MHC Class II as well as costimulatory molecules, and thus can initiate immune responses via T cells.