[Recent data and current studies of epidermal Langerhans cells]

The skin may be considered as well as a target and an iniator of self immune reactions. Two to 5% of the epidermal cells are Langerhans cells (LC) which are the only cells to specifically take, process and present the antigens to lymphocytes in order to induce an immune response. Such an ability and location of these cells enhance their role in antigenic stimulations and immuno-allergic reactions. TNF alpha was showed to potentiate the effect of GM-CSF for the generation of LC from their CD34+ precursors. Originated from the bone marrow, the LC colonize the epithelia where they act as antigen presenting cells by taking, processing antigens, and migrating to lymph nodes where they sensitize T cells. In vitro incubation of LC mimics their phenotypic, morphologic and functional maturation (enhanced accessory function) while they are migrating in vivo to lymph nodes where they are called interdigitating cells. Animal models might clarify such an hypothesis. Mechanisms leading to the LC immigration or the emigration from epithelia in order to play their immune functions remain obscure. Although LC are purified with difficulty and no immortalized human cell lines exist, these cells are still an ideal APC dendritic cell model. They will certainly be considered, in the next future, as the pivotal role of vaccinal strategy.