Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells are often described as resembling neurons due to their unique structure within the immune system cellular repertoire.

These cells possess elaborate membrane folds and dendrites much like the branching processes of brain cells. While, like the macrophage, dendritic cells are specialized phagocytes their major role isn't in the clearance of pathogens and damaged cells from their environment.

Instead, these cells are active surveillance cells internalizing and processing huge volumes of extracellular matrix and fluid via macropinocytosis with the goal of presenting as many antigens on their cell surface as possible for T cell activation.