Professional antigen presenting cells

Antigen-presenting cells can be divided into two categories:

• professional antigen-presenting cells
• and
• non-professional antigen-presenting cells

Those that express MHC class II molecules together with co-stimulatory molecules and pattern recognition receptors (PPR) are often referred to as professional antigen-presenting cells. The non-professional APCs express MHC class I molecules. "Professional" in this context means that antigen presentation is an essential function of these cells.

1. Schuijs MJ et al (2019) Professional and 'Amateur' Antigen-Presenting Cells In Type 2 Immunity. Trends Immunol 40:22-34.
2. Shanmugam G et al. (2022) Clinical relevance and therapeutic aspects of professional antigen-presenting cells in lung cancer. Med Oncol 39:237.