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Cored tubules are present in human epidermal Langerhans cells

Dan Lipsker1, Umit Ziylan, Ray McDermott

  • 1INSERM EP 99-08 Biologie des Cellules Dendritiques Humaines, Strasbourg, France.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|February 27, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Cored tubules, previously only seen in mouse skin immune cells, are now found in human epidermal Langerhans cells. These organelles appear to be part of the early recycling pathway in these cells.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Cored tubules are ultrastructural organelles found in murine Langerhans cells within the dermis and lymph nodes.
  • Their function remains unknown, and they are distinct from Birbeck granules.
  • Notably, cored tubules are absent in murine epidermal Langerhans cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and potential function of cored tubules in human epidermal Langerhans cells.
  • To determine the cellular localization and pathway association of cored tubules.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of human epidermal Langerhans cells.
  • Immunolabeling using anti-CD1a and anti-Langerin monoclonal antibodies conjugated to gold particles.
  • Microscopy and ultrastructural analysis at 37°C.

Main Results:

  • Cored tubules were identified in freshly isolated human epidermal Langerhans cells.
  • These tubules showed interconnection with the early endosomal pathway.
  • Immunolabeling with anti-CD1a and anti-Langerin antibodies occurred at 37°C, indicating association with early recycling endosomes.

Conclusions:

  • Cored tubules are present in human epidermal Langerhans cells.
  • These organelles are part of the early recycling compartment.
  • The findings suggest a role for cored tubules in the endocytic pathway of human Langerhans cells.

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