Which cells are responsible for recognizing antigens and activating B cells?

Dendritic cells are specialized antigen-presenting cells that play a crucial role in the immune response. They capture, process, and present antigens to T cells, which are essential for activating B cells. Once dendritic cells encounter pathogens, they migrate to lymph nodes where they interact with naïve T cells, providing the necessary signals for T cell activation. This in turn helps to stimulate B cells that produce antibodies against specific antigens. The role of dendritic cells in linking the innate and adaptive immune responses is vital for ensuring a robust immune reaction.

The other cell types mentioned, such as macrophages, while also important contributors to the immune response, primarily serve different functions like phagocytosis and cytokine production rather than directly activating B cells through antigen presentation. B cells themselves are responsible for producing antibodies but do not activate other B cells. Natural killer cells play a role in the innate immune system by targeting virus-infected and tumor cells but do not participate in antigen recognition or B cell activation.