Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2026
08:52
Generation of Multivirus-specific T Cells to Prevent/treat Viral Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
Published on: May 27, 2011
Langerhans cells and viral immunity.
Anthony L Cunningham1, Francis Carbone, Teunis B H Geijtenbeek
1Centre for Virus Research, Westmead Millennium Institute and University of Sydney, Westmead, Sydney, Australia. tony_cunningham@wmi.usyd.edu.au
European Journal of Immunology
|September 16, 2008
Summary
Langerhans cells (LC) play a key role in antiviral immunity by presenting antigens. However, their interaction with viruses like HIV, herpes simplex, and varicella-zoster virus leads to varied outcomes based on viral and host factors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Langerhans cells (LC) are specialized dendritic cells residing in the epidermis and mucosal epithelia.
- Their strategic location facilitates antigen capture and initiation of immune responses against pathogens.
- LC are critical in establishing antiviral immunity, but their role in specific viral infections is complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare the roles of Langerhans cells in antiviral immunity and infection.
- To discuss the interactions of LC with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
- To highlight similarities and differences in LC responses to these distinct viral pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent data on LC interactions with HIV, HSV, and VZV.
- Comparative analysis of viral pathogenesis and immune responses involving LC.
- Discussion of the impact of viral and host factors on LC function.
Main Results:
- All three viruses (HIV, HSV, VZV) interact with LC during initial infection.
- LC responses to these viruses differ significantly, reflecting distinct viral biology and pathogenesis.
- The specific receptors involved influence the nature of the LC-virus interaction and subsequent immune outcome.
Conclusions:
- Langerhans cells exhibit diverse roles in antiviral immunity depending on the infecting virus.
- Understanding these differential interactions is crucial for developing effective antiviral strategies.
- Further research into LC-virus interactions can elucidate mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and immune evasion.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:26Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
An antigen is any substance the immune system identifies as foreign and potentially harmful to the body, prompting an immune response. Antigens have two functional properties: immunogenicity and reactivity. Immunogenicity is the ability of an antigen to stimulate a specific immune response. At the same time, reactivity describes the antigen's ability to react with the cells and antibodies produced in response to it.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...