Dendritic cell, SEM (C016/4763) Pillow

Dendritic cell. Coloured ion-abrasion scanning electron micrograph (IA-SEM) showing sheet-like cellular extensions on a dendritic cell. These extensions trap HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) particles, aiding their spread through the body. Dendritic cells are a component of the body's immune system. They are antigen-presenting cells (APCs), that is, they present pathogens or foreign molecules (antigens) to other cells of the immune system to be eliminated. HIV uses the body's defences against itself. When dendritic cells interact with T cells, HIV is transmitted to the T cells, infecting them. IA-SEM allows nanoscale three dimensional imaging of whole cells.