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The origin of Langerhans cells
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|May 1, 1980
Summary
Langerhans cells, crucial for immune response, originate from bone marrow precursors. These cells replenish the epidermis, highlighting their mobile nature and origin from a circulating cell pool.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Langerhans cells are a distinct subpopulation of epidermal cells.
- They possess unique receptors (Fc-IgG, C3) and express immune response-associated (Ia) antigens.
- Their function as antigen-presenting cells is well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the developmental origin (ontogeny) of Langerhans cells.
- To address the long-standing debate regarding their cellular lineage.
Main Methods:
- Transplantation of parental skin onto F1 hybrid mice.
- Analysis of skin from radiation-induced bone marrow chimeric animals.
Main Results:
- Langerhans cells in transplanted skin were predominantly of recipient origin, while keratinocytes remained donor-derived.
- Up to 80% of epidermal Langerhans cells in chimeric animals originated from the donor bone marrow.
Conclusions:
- Epidermal Langerhans cells originate from a mobile precursor cell pool.
- These precursor cells are continuously replenished, with a primary origin in the bone marrow.