Question

The role of dendritic cells in the adaptive immune response is to ____________________.

a. process phagocytized antigens for presentation on dendritic surface molecules.

b. trigger apoptosis

c. distinguish between antigens located in the blood and antigens located inside cells.

d. attack and destroy invading pathogens. -INCORRECT

Answer 1

Answer. process phagocytized antigens for presentation on dendritic surface molecules.

Adaptive/acquired immune response is a complex defense system developed within the body gradually. Unlike innate response which is present as a first line of defense since birth. The adaptive immune system is highly specific and involves specialized immune cells (T-cells and B-cells) to invoke an immune response.
The dendritic cell is one of the antigen-presenting cells (APC) involved in eliciting an adaptive immune response. The dendritic cells take up the pathogen by phagocytosis, process it, and display its antigen on the surface using the Major histocompatibility component (MHC - II). MHC-II are glycoprotein receptors present on the surface of the antigen-presenting cells (APC) to activate T-cells. This activates a T-cell response against the specific antigen displayed on the dendritic cell surface.
Apoptosis is a self-death program in the cell. It does not play a role in developing an adaptive immune response.