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Lymphocyte Isolation from Human Skin for Phenotypic Analysis and Ex Vivo Cell Culture
Published on: April 8, 2016
Epidermal Langerhans' cells and their function in the skin immune system
1Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Little Rock, USA.
Insights
Langerhans
Area of Science:
- Immunodermatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epidermal Langerhans' cells are key immune cells in the skin.
- Their role in allergic and inflammatory skin conditions is complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on Langerhans' cell function.
- To relate this function to allergic and immunologic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of English publications from 1974-1994.
- Indexing terms included Langerhans' cells, atopic dermatitis, and IgE.
Main Results:
- Langerhans' cells possess diverse surface receptors and secrete cytokines.
- Differences exist between freshly isolated and cultured Langerhans' cells.
Conclusions:
- Langerhans' cells are central to immune responses in various skin diseases.
- They are implicated in contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, histiocytosis X, HIV-1, and skin graft rejection.
Objective:
This article reviews the role of the epidermal Langerhans' cell in contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. Included in this review are sections on the historical, morphologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic aspects of the Langerhans' cell. Differences between freshly isolated and cultured Langerhans' cells are reviewed in terms of cell surface markers and functional differences. The different IgE binding structures on the surface of Langerhans' cells are reviewed with discussion of their possible roles. The effects of different cytokines in the microenvironment are also commented upon. Other diseases where the Langerhans' cell is important such as histiocytosis X, HIV-1 infection, and skin graft rejection are briefly reviewed.
Data Sources:
English literature search (1974-1994), indexing terms: Langerhans' cells, atopic dermatitis, IgE.
Study Selection:
The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent knowledge of Langerhans' cell function and relate this to the allergist/immunologist.
Results/Conclusions:
Epidermal Langerhans' cells play a central role in the immune response in exhibiting multiple cell-surface receptors and secreting a variety of cytokines that are important in the pathogenesis of contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, histiocytosis X, HIV-1 infection, and skin graft rejection.
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