Follicular dendritic cells (FDC) are involved in the trapping and retention of antigen-antibody complexes in lymphoid follicles. This FDC immobilized antigen is thought to be involved in the generation of memory B-lymphocytes. Follicular trapping of both Aleutian disease virus and HIV particles has been demonstrated. However as far as known their affects on FDC and follicular B-cells are completely different. It is hypothesized that the trapping of (antibody-complexed) virus particles by the FDC-network may have an important role in several virus diseases.
Aleutian Mink Disease Virus Antibodies, Viral