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Activated Langerhans cells release tumor necrosis factor.
J W Larrick1, V Morhenn, Y L Chiang
1Psoriasis Research Institute, Stanford Medical Center, Palo Alto, California.
Journal of Leukocyte Biology
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Langerhans cells, crucial for skin immunity, can produce tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Activated Langerhans cells release significant TNF-alpha, potentially contributing to skin inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Langerhans cells are key antigen-presenting cells in skin immunity.
- Their precise roles in inflammatory processes remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of Langerhans cells to produce tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).
- To determine if activated Langerhans cells contribute to skin inflammation via TNF-alpha release.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of TNF-alpha production by resting and stimulated Langerhans cells.
- Stimulation using phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
- Confirmation of TNF-alpha specificity and identity using cytotoxicity assays, neutralizing antibodies, and Northern blot hybridization.
Main Results:
- Resting Langerhans cells produced minimal TNF-alpha (<0.1 U/ml).
- Stimulated Langerhans cells released substantial amounts of TNF-alpha (4-5 U/ml).
- Released TNF-alpha was confirmed as biologically active and identical to standard TNF-alpha.
Conclusions:
- Activated Langerhans cells can produce and release TNF-alpha.
- This release suggests a role for Langerhans cells in mediating skin inflammation.
- TNF-alpha produced by Langerhans cells may influence fibroblast growth, endothelial cell activation, and lymphocyte function.