Which cells located in the subcapsular space of a lymph node initiate the immune response?

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Multiple Choice

Which cells located in the subcapsular space of a lymph node initiate the immune response?

Dendritic cells in the subcapsular space initiate the immune response. They are the most potent antigen-presenting cells and are poised to capture antigens that arrive in the lymph. After grabbing the antigen, they migrate to the T cell–rich areas of the lymph node (the paracortex) and present the processed antigen on MHC class II to naive CD4+ T cells, delivering necessary costimulatory signals to activate them. This sets off the adaptive response, with T cells guiding subsequent B cell activation and antibody production. Macrophages can present antigens but are less effective at initiating responses from naive T cells. B cells present antigen to helper T cells once the response is underway, and T helper cells themselves do not present antigen.

Dendritic cells in the subcapsular space initiate the immune response. They are the most potent antigen-presenting cells and are poised to capture antigens that arrive in the lymph. After grabbing the antigen, they migrate to the T cell–rich areas of the lymph node (the paracortex) and present the processed antigen on MHC class II to naive CD4+ T cells, delivering necessary costimulatory signals to activate them. This sets off the adaptive response, with T cells guiding subsequent B cell activation and antibody production. Macrophages can present antigens but are less effective at initiating responses from naive T cells. B cells present antigen to helper T cells once the response is underway, and T helper cells themselves do not present antigen.

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