apc

APC is an acronym that can refer to multiple distinct concepts depending on context. In military usage, APC denotes an armored personnel carrier, a lightly armored vehicle designed to transport infantry on the battlefield. APCs are typically wheeled or lightly tracked and prioritize troop mobility and protection over heavy firepower, in contrast to infantry fighting vehicles which mount more substantial armament and armor. They are used for troop transport, reconnaissance, and support roles, and vary in size, armor level, and mission profile.

In immunology, APC stands for antigen-presenting cell. Professional APCs, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and B cells, process and present peptide antigens on major histocompatibility complex molecules to T cells, initiating adaptive immune responses. They provide essential co-stimulatory signals that help activate naive T cells, shaping immune recognition and tolerance.

In technology and industry, APC is a brand name associated with American Power Conversion, a company known for power protection equipment such as uninterruptible power supplies, surge protectors, and power distribution units. APC was founded in the 1980s and became a subsidiary of Schneider Electric in 2007; its products are widely used in data centers, IT infrastructure, and industrial settings.