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Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression by lymph node dendritic cells: comparison with epidermal
M Cumberbatch1, S W Peters, S J Gould
1ICI Central Toxicology Laboratory, Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK.
Immunology Letters
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) upregulate intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) during skin sensitization and migration to lymph nodes. This change enhances their function as potent antigen-presenting cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) are key immune cells in the skin.
- Upon skin sensitization, LC migrate to lymph nodes, maturing into dendritic cells (DC).
- LC maturation is associated with enhanced immunostimulatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on LC and lymph node DC.
- To investigate the role of ICAM-1 in LC maturation and migration.
Main Methods:
- Skin sensitization of mice with oxazolone.
- Isolation and analysis of epidermal LC and lymph node DC.
- Flow cytometry to quantify ICAM-1 expression on cell membranes.
Main Results:
- Freshly isolated LC expressed minimal ICAM-1.
- Lymph node DC, from both resting and activated nodes, showed significant ICAM-1 expression.
- LC migrating from sensitized skin showed increased ICAM-1 expression.
Conclusions:
- LC increase ICAM-1 expression during their migration from the skin to lymph nodes.
- Upregulation of ICAM-1 supports the development of LC into effective antigen-presenting cells.
- ICAM-1 expression is a marker of LC maturation and immune function.