HLA-DR-expressing Langerhans'-like cells in vaginal and cervical epithelium

Sections of ethanol-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from human vagina and exocervix were stained by an indirect immunofluorescence method with a rabbit antiserum to HLA-DR antigens. A specific staining of cells having a dendritic appearance were seen. The cells were randomly distributed, mainly in the parabasal cell-layer of the stratified squamous epithelium. The number of dendritic cells was 1-3% of all cells in the cervical epithelium and 1-5% of the cells in the vaginal epithelium. Most probably these cells are Langerhans' cells.