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Generation and Culturing of Primary Human Keratinocytes from Adult Skin
Published on: December 22, 2017
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Langerhans Cells Spy on Keratinocytes
Jacinto S De La Cruz Diaz1, Daniel H Kaplan1
1Departments of Dermatology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|October 26, 2019
Summary
Epidermal cells, specifically Langerhans cells (LCs), can acquire mRNA from keratinocytes (KCs) in vivo, likely through tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). This finding reveals a new pathway for antigen acquisition by LCs.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are known intercellular communication structures.
- The role of TNTs in epidermal cell communication, particularly in vivo, is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether epidermal cells utilize tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) for intercellular communication in vivo.
- To determine if Langerhans cells (LCs) can acquire genetic material from keratinocytes (KCs) via TNTs.
Main Methods:
- In vivo study examining interactions between Langerhans cells and keratinocytes.
- Analysis of mRNA transfer between epidermal cells, potentially via TNTs.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that Langerhans cells (LCs) obtain mRNA from keratinocytes (KCs) in vivo.
- Evidence suggests this transfer occurs presumably via tunneling nanotubes (TNTs).
Conclusions:
- This study reveals an unexpected mechanism for antigen acquisition by Langerhans cells (LCs).
- The findings highlight the importance of considering TNT-mediated intercellular communication when analyzing transcriptomic data in epidermal research.
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