Where are follicular dendritic cells exclusively found?

Follicular dendritic cells are specialized antigen-presenting cells that play a crucial role in the immune system by capturing and presenting antigens to B cells, particularly in the context of germinal center formation. These cells are uniquely found in the follicles of lymphoid tissues, including lymph nodes and the spleen, where they interact with B cells and contribute to the maturation and selection of B cells during an immune response.

The follicles, specifically the B cell zones, are essential for the development of adaptive immunity, and follicular dendritic cells provide the necessary microenvironment for B cell activation and differentiation. They are located in these follicular structures, unlike other immune cells that may be more diffusely distributed throughout the tissues or found in other organs such as the thymus or the bloodstream. This localization to the follicles is vital for their function in the adaptive immune response, illustrating their exclusive residence in these specific areas.