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Analysis of Cell Migration within a Three-dimensional Collagen Matrix
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Published on: October 5, 2014

Role of cytokines in epidermal Langerhans cell migration

B Wang1, P Amerio, D N Sauder

  • 1Division of Dermatology, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Journal of Leukocyte Biology
|July 20, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Cytokines, such as IL-1 and TNF-alpha, promote Langerhans cell (LC) migration from skin, while IL-10 counter-regulates this process. This review explores cytokine roles in LC/dendritic cell (DC) migration.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Dermatology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The epidermis contains keratinocytes (KC) and Langerhans cells (LC), forming a unique immune microenvironment.
  • LC are professional antigen-presenting cells crucial for initiating skin immune responses.
  • LC migration from skin to lymph nodes is vital for antigen presentation, but mechanisms remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of cytokine involvement in LC/dendritic cell (DC) migration from the skin.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating LC/DC migration in response to immune stimuli.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on cytokine and chemokine roles in LC/DC migration.
  • Analysis of experimental evidence demonstrating cytokine modulation of LC emigration.
  • Examination of chemokine receptor expression on LC/DC and chemokine generation in lymphatic vessels.

Main Results:

  • Pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1, TNF-alpha) enhance LC emigration from the epidermis.
  • Anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 acts as a counter-regulator, inhibiting LC migration.
  • Chemokine receptors on LC/DC and chemokines produced by lymphatic endothelial and lymph node cells guide directional migration.

Conclusions:

  • Cytokines play a significant role in modulating LC/DC migration from the skin.
  • Understanding these cytokine-driven mechanisms is key to deciphering cutaneous immune responses and developing targeted therapies.

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