What is the primary function of dendritic cells in the immune response?

Dendritic cells play a crucial role in the immune response primarily through their function as antigen-presenting cells. Their primary task is to capture, process, and present antigens to T cells, which is essential for initiating an adaptive immune response. When dendritic cells encounter pathogens, they engulf and process these antigens, then migrate to lymph nodes where they interact with T cells. This interaction is vital for the activation and differentiation of T cells, leading to a targeted immune response against the specific pathogens.

In contrast, while phagocytosis is an important function of some immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, it is not the primary role of dendritic cells. Neutralization of toxins relates more to the activity of antibodies produced by B cells, which is also distinct from the function of dendritic cells. The secretion of antibodies is specifically carried out by B cells upon activation and is part of the adaptive immune response, but this is separate from the antigen-presenting function of dendritic cells. Therefore, the emphasis on the role of dendritic cells as antigen presenters highlights their critical position in orchestrating the immune response.