Any measurable or observable characteristic related to the function of or processes in a cell with extensive dendritic processes found in the B cell areas (primary follicles and germinal centers) of lymphoid tissue; follicular dendritic cells have Fc receptors and C3b receptors, and hold antigen in the form of immune complexes on their surfaces for long periods and can present antigen to B cells during an immune response.
Comment:
Annotations to this cell type have been erroneously made to dendritic cell morphology trait. These are unrelated to the dendritic cell associated with T cells. Follicular dendritic cells have Fc receptors and C3b receptors, but unlike other dendritic cells, they do not process or present antigen in a way that allows recognition by T cells. Instead, they hold antigen in the form of immune complexes on their surfaces for long periods and can present antigen to B cells during an immune response. They are not derived from the hematopoietic lineage. Due to its unique lineage and distinct function (B cell vs. T cell presentation), this is NOT a type of dendritic cell.