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[Dynamic cooperation between epidermal barriers and Langerhans cells].

¹Department of Dermatology/Center for Integrated Medical Research School of Medicine, Keio University.

Nihon Rinsho Men'Eki Gakkai Kaishi = Japanese Journal of Clinical Immunology

|June 2, 2011

Summary

Langerhans cells (LCs) can extend dendrites through skin

Area of Science:

Immunology
Dermatology
Cell Biology

Background:

The skin's epidermis provides a vital barrier against pathogens and dehydration.
This barrier relies on the stratum corneum (SC) and tight junctions (TJs) sealing epidermal cells.
Langerhans cells (LCs) are immune cells within the epidermis.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the interaction of LCs with epidermal tight junctions (TJs).
To understand antigen uptake by LCs across the TJ barrier.
To re-evaluate the human epidermal barrier as a composite structure.

Main Methods:

Studies in mice demonstrated LC dendrite penetration through epidermal TJs.
Observation of antigen uptake from the environment outside the TJs.

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Analysis of TJ reformation during LC antigen uptake.

Main Results:

Activated LCs extend dendrites through epidermal TJs to capture antigens.
New TJs form between keratinocytes and LC dendrites, maintaining barrier integrity.
This suggests LCs actively participate in barrier function during antigen sampling.

Conclusions:

The epidermal barrier is a composite of SC and TJs, with dynamic LC interactions.
LCs can breach TJs for antigen uptake, highlighting a novel immunological mechanism.
Understanding this process is crucial for human skin diseases involving barrier defects.