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Sialyl LewisX expression on human Langerhans cells
1Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Sialyl LewisX expression varies on human epidermal dendritic cells, suggesting a role in Langerhans cell migration from bone marrow to skin. This finding offers insights into immune cell homing mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- T cells use cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen for skin homing.
- The migration mechanism of Langerhans cells from bone marrow to skin remains unclear.
- Sialyl LewisX is a ligand for endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule and granule membrane protein 140.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of Sialyl LewisX in epidermal dendritic cells in human skin.
- To explore the potential role of Sialyl LewisX in Langerhans cell migration and maturation.
Main Methods:
- Two-color immunofluorescence on epidermal sheets.
- Flow cytometry analysis of epidermal dendritic cells.
- Immunoperoxidase staining of normal skin.
Main Results:
- Human leukocyte antigen DR+ and CD1a+ epidermal dendritic cells showed heterogeneous Sialyl LewisX expression.
- Most human leukocyte antigen DR+ and CD1a+ cells expressed Sialyl LewisX, with variable intensity.
- Sialyl LewisX+ dendritic cells were found in both the epidermis and upper dermis.
Conclusions:
- Heterogeneous Sialyl LewisX expression on epidermal Langerhans cells may indicate different maturation stages.
- Sialyl LewisX expression patterns suggest a role in the migration of Langerhans cells from bone marrow to skin.