Human epidermal Langerhans' cells in bullous pemphigoid

Through the epidermal analysis of 13 patients with bullous pemphigoid compared to controls, using OKT6 monoclonal antibodies on the light microscopic level and electron-microscopy, we found a redistribution of the Langerhans' cells towards the basal membrane in combination with an increased total number of Langerhans' cells. This redistribution was also noted in clinically normal skin from patients with bullous pemphigoid. The findings may be consistent with the theory of antigen presentation.