Processing of complex antigens and simple hapten-like molecules by epidermal Langerhans cells

Langerhans cells (LCs) are antigen-presenting cells of the skin that trap small contact-sensitizing molecules and induce cutaneous hypersensitivity. LCs can present larger molecules but the mechanisms of processing have required investigation. A system combining in vitro culture of antigen with epidermal cells in the presence of inhibitors, followed by fixation and transfer of these antigen/drug-treated epidermal cells to naive mice, was developed to investigate the steps of antigen processing. Langerhans cells undertake similar, but not identical, pathways for the processing of simple and complex molecules. Complex molecules such as trinitrophenyl conjugated to ovalbumin (TNP-OVA) were internalized and modification required a chloroquine-sensitive proteolysis step and a cycloheximide-sensitive protein synthesis step. This modified product was actively recycled to the cell membrane as presentation was inhibited by blocking receptor translocation with either monensin or cytochalasin B. Small contact sensitizers such as trinitrophenyl did not undergo modification but required internalization and presentation was also inhibited by blocking receptor translocation.