FDC/Follicular dendritic cell [CNA42]

The monoclonal antibody CNA.42 recognizes a unique carbohydrate epitope found on follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) from a variety of species. FDCs are large cells in germinal centers (GCs) of primary and lymphoid tissues. They present non-processed antigen and switch off apoptosis of B cells through a selection process resulting in selection of memory B cells. FDCs express many B cell markers such as CD21 (long isoform), CD23 and CD35. A role for FDCs as been shown in various infectious diseases such as AIDS and transmissible spongiform encephalitis. Staining with this CNA.42 monoclonal antibody is mainly restricted to the plasma membrane but in limited cases may also be cytoplasmic (as seen in mast cells).