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Langerhans cells cross-present antigen derived from skin

Patrizia Stoitzner1, Christoph H Tripp, Andreas Eberhart

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|May 5, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Langerhans cells (LCs) in the skin can cross-present external antigens to CD8+ T cells, triggering immune responses. This finding is significant for developing epicutaneous vaccination strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Dermatology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Dendritic cells (DCs) are known for cross-presentation of exogenous antigens on MHC class I to CD8+ T cells.
  • Langerhans cells (LCs), the primary DCs in the epidermis, have poorly understood cross-presentation capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the capacity of murine Langerhans cells (LCs) to cross-present exogenous antigens.
  • To determine the functional consequences of LC-mediated cross-presentation on CD8+ T cells.
  • To assess the potential role of LCs in epicutaneous vaccination.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and in vitro culture of murine LCs.
  • Assessment of antigen cross-presentation using ovalbumin protein and peptide.
  • Utilizing transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP)-1-deficient mice.
  • In vivo studies involving epicutaneous antigen application and T cell proliferation assays.

Main Results:

  • Isolated LCs demonstrated cross-presentation of soluble and cell-associated ovalbumin on MHC class I to CD8+ T cells.
  • Cross-presentation by LCs was less potent than spleen-derived CD8+ DCs but involved a TAP-dependent pathway.
  • Migratory LCs ingested epidermal antigens and presented them to T cells.
  • LC cross-presentation induced IFN-gamma production and cytotoxicity in antigen-specific CD8+ T cells.
  • Epicutaneous ovalbumin application led to in vivo OT-I T cell proliferation, enhanced by skin inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Langerhans cells are capable of cross-presenting exogenous antigens to CD8+ T cells, inducing effector functions.
  • LCs contribute to immune surveillance in the skin and may play a crucial role in epicutaneous vaccination.

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