CD1a positive putative tumour infiltrating dendritic cells in human breast cancer

CD1a molecules are expressed on dendritic cells (DC) during certain maturational phases coincident with the functions of antigen capture and processing. During these phases, CD1a is anchored to the cytoplasmic membrane through its cytoplasmic domain and the antigenic binding domain is projected from the cell surface. Membrane bound HLA Class I and II molecules are also expressed at relatively high levels on DC, but it is not known whether there is any interdependence between CD1 expression and that of the classical histocompatability molecules. Recent information concerning the structure, function and likely role of CD1 in presentation of hydrophobic lipid and carbohydrate antigens to the immune system is detailed. The potential relevance of the lipid presenting functions of CD1 molecules for the detection and recognition of tumour glycolipid antigens is hypothesised and discussed. CD1 a tumour infiltrating putative dendritic cells are discussed in terms of their density, separation, culture and possible function in breast cancers in the light of recent findings.