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Antigen-presenting cells in human cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania major

A M ElHassan1, A Gaafar, T G Theander

  • 1Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, Sudan.

Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|March 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including Langerhans cells, migrate from skin lesions to lymph nodes in cutaneous leishmaniasis. These APCs present Leishmania antigen, potentially initiating T memory cell responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania major.
  • Understanding antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in leishmaniasis is crucial for immune response.
  • The migration and function of APCs in the context of Leishmania infection require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and locate antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in skin lesions and draining lymph nodes of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.
  • To investigate the trafficking of APCs and inflammatory cells between skin lesions and lymph nodes.
  • To explore the role of APCs in initiating immune responses against Leishmania major.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry, light microscopy, and electron microscopy were used to examine tissue biopsies.
  • Morphological identification and specific cell markers were employed to characterize APCs.
  • Analysis of cell adhesion molecules (LFA-1 and ICAM-1) was performed.

Main Results:

  • Langerhans cells, macrophages, follicular dendritic cells, and interdigitating reticulum cells were identified as APCs.
  • Leishmania antigen was found within APCs in both skin lesions and lymph nodes.
  • Langerhans cells were observed migrating from the epidermis to lymph nodes, suggesting a role in antigen transport.
  • Interaction between LFA-1 on T cells and ICAM-1 on endothelial cells may facilitate lymphocyte migration to inflammatory sites.

Conclusions:

  • Langerhans cells play a significant role in transporting Leishmania antigen from the skin to regional lymph nodes.
  • APCs in the lymph node paracortex are intimately associated with T cells, potentially inducing Leishmania-specific T memory cells.
  • Adhesion molecule interactions (LFA-1/ICAM-1) likely mediate inflammatory cell trafficking to cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions.

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