Which cells are known as antigen presenting cells?

Antigen presenting cells (APCs) are crucial components of the immune system that play a vital role in the activation of T cells. These cells process and present antigens on their surface in conjunction with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, facilitating the recognition by T cells.

Both macrophages and dendritic cells are classified as professional antigen presenting cells. Dendritic cells are especially efficient at capturing, processing, and presenting antigens, and they are key players in initiating the adaptive immune response. Macs, on the other hand, are adept at engulfing pathogens and also have the capability to present antigens to T cells, although they are generally more involved in later stages of the immune response.

Neutrophils, while important in the innate immune response, primarily function in phagocytosis and the destruction of pathogens but do not serve as APCs in the same capacity as macrophages and dendritic cells. Therefore, the choice that encompasses both macrophages and dendritic cells accurately reflects the role of these two cell types as antigen presenting cells.