[Langerhans cell: CD1 antigens and the Birbeck granule]

Langerhans cells are characterized by two types of markers: an ultrastructural marker, the Birbeck granule and different membrane markers: HLA-D antigens, T4 antigen, and some of the CD1 antigens. These antigens which are specific for the epidermal Langerhans cells, are not expressed by the other epidermal cells. Three CD1 antigens are biochemically defined on human thymocytes, they display a glycoprotein chain non covalently attached to beta-2-microglobulin. Only two of these glycoproteins: the T6 and M241 molecules have been detected on Langerhans cells. The presence of these CD1 antigens on Langerhans cells enhances their relationships to thymocytes, in contrast, Langerhans cells cannot be any more easily associated with the macrophage-monocyte lineage. The physiology of the ultrastructural marker is not well known. Its membrane origin has been experimentally proved since T6 antigen has been found closely associated to newly formed Birbeck granules.