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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
10:31
Lymphocyte Isolation from Human Skin for Phenotypic Analysis and Ex Vivo Cell Culture
Published on: April 8, 2016
Epidermal Langerhans' cells and their function in the skin immune system
1Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Little Rock, USA.
Summary
Langerhans
Area of Science:
- Immunodermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epidermal Langerhans' cells are key immune cells in the skin.
- Their role in allergic and inflammatory skin conditions is complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on Langerhans' cell function.
- To relate this function to allergic and immunologic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of English publications from 1974-1994.
- Indexing terms included Langerhans' cells, atopic dermatitis, and IgE.
Main Results:
- Langerhans' cells possess diverse surface receptors and secrete cytokines.
- Differences exist between freshly isolated and cultured Langerhans' cells.
Conclusions:
- Langerhans' cells are central to immune responses in various skin diseases.
- They are implicated in contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, histiocytosis X, HIV-1, and skin graft rejection.
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