What function do dendritic cells serve in the immune response?

Dendritic cells play a crucial role in the immune response by capturing and presenting antigens to T cells. This function is essential for initiating a specific immune response to pathogens. When dendritic cells encounter pathogens, they engulf them through a process called phagocytosis. After processing the antigens from the pathogens, dendritic cells migrate to the lymph nodes, where they display the antigen fragments on their surface in conjunction with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules.

Once T cells recognize these antigen-MHC complexes, they become activated and can proliferate and differentiate into effector T cells. This activation is vital for orchestrating the adaptive immune response, leading to the elimination of the pathogen. Dendritic cells are often referred to as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) due to this important role, serving as a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems.

The other functions listed do not accurately reflect the specific role of dendritic cells in the immune response, distinguishing their specialized function from those of other immune cells.