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Langerhans' cells in skin tumors
T U Schreiner1, G Lischka, G Schaumburg-Lever
1Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany.
Archives of Dermatology
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Langerhans' cells (LCs) are present in all skin tumors studied. However, LCs were significantly reduced over basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma compared to normal skin.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Langerhans' cells (LCs) are crucial immune cells in the epidermis.
- Their role in various skin neoplasms is not fully elucidated.
- Understanding LC distribution may offer insights into tumor-immune interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of Langerhans' cells (LCs) in different types of skin tumors.
- To compare LC numbers in tumor tissues versus normal skin.
- To assess the expression of CD4 on LCs within these tumors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 58 skin specimens including normal skin, basal cell epithelioma, squamous cell carcinoma, seborrheic keratosis, and malignant melanoma.
- Immunohistochemical staining using anti-CD1 as a marker for LCs.
- Incubation with anti-CD4 to identify a subpopulation of LCs.
Main Results:
- Langerhans' cells (LCs) were detected in the epidermis and within all examined tumor types.
- A significant decrease in LC numbers was observed over basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma compared to normal skin and seborrheic keratosis.
- CD4 surface antigen expression was found on a variable percentage of LCs across different tumor types.
Conclusions:
- Langerhans' cells (LCs) are consistently present in the epidermis of various skin tumors.
- The reduced presence of LCs in certain malignant tumors suggests a potential alteration in the tumor microenvironment.
- CD4 expression on LCs varies between tumor types, indicating potential functional heterogeneity.