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Romani N, Clausen BE, Stoitzner P. Langerhans cells and more: langerin-expressing dendritic cell subsets in the skin. Immunol Rev 2010; 234:120-41. [PMID: 20193016 DOI: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2009.00886.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 303] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Langerhans cells (LCs) are antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) that reside in epithelia. The best studied example is the LC of the epidermis. By electron microscopy, their identifying feature is the unique rod- or tennis racket-shaped Birbeck granule. The phenotypic hallmark is their expression of the C-type lectin receptor langerin/CD207. Langerin, however, is also expressed on a recently discovered population of DC in the dermis and other tissues of the body. These 'dermal langerin(+) dendritic cells' are unrelated to LCs. The complex field of langerin-negative dermal DCs is not dealt with here. In this article, we briefly review the history, ontogeny, and homeostasis of LCs. More emphasis is laid on the discussion of functional properties in vivo. Novel models using genetically engineered mice are contributing tremendously to our understanding of the role of LCs in eliciting adaptive immune responses against pathogens or tumors and in inducing and maintaining tolerance against self antigens and innocuous substances in vivo. Also, innate effector functions are increasingly being recognized. Current activities in this area are reviewed, and possibilities for future exploitation of LC in medicine, e.g. for the improvement of vaccines, are contemplated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Romani
- Department of Dermatology & Venereology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Bechan GI, Egeler RM, Arceci RJ. Biology of Langerhans cells and Langerhans cell histiocytosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2006; 254:1-43. [PMID: 17147996 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(06)54001-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Langerhans cells (LC) are epidermal dendritic cells (DC). They play an important role in the initiation of immune responses through antigen uptake, processing, and presentation to T cells. Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease in which accumulation of cells with LC characteristics (LCH cells) occur. LCH lesions are further characterized by the presence of other cell types, such as T cells, multinucleated giant cells (MGC), macrophages (MPhi), eosinophils, stromal cells, and natural killer cells (NK cells). Much has been learned about the pathophysiology of LCH by studying properties of these different cells and their interaction with each other through cytokines/chemokines. In this review we discuss the properties and interactions of the different cells involved in LCH pathophysiology with the hope of better understanding this enigmatic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- G I Bechan
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
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Chang-Rodriguez S, Hoetzenecker W, Schwärzler C, Biedermann T, Saeland S, Elbe-Bürger A. Fetal and neonatal murine skin harbors Langerhans cell precursors. J Leukoc Biol 2004; 77:352-60. [PMID: 15590753 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1004584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Resident epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) in adult mice express ADPase, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, and CD205 and CD207 molecules, while the first dendritic leukocytes that colonize the fetal and newborn epidermis are only ADPase(+). In this study, we tested whether dendritic epidermal leukocytes (DEL) are end-stage cells or represent LC precursors. In epidermal sheets of fetal and neonatal mice, we found no apoptotic leukocytes, suggesting that these cells do not die in situ. To address whether DEL can give rise to LC, sorted DEL from murine newborn skin were cultured with cytokines used to generate LC from human CD34(+) precursors. After 7-14 days, DEL proliferated and acquired the morphology and phenotype of cells reminiscent of LC. In concordance with this finding, we show that neonatal epidermis harbors 10-20 times the number of cycling MHC class II(+) leukocytes as adult tissue. To test whether LC can differentiate from skin precursors in vivo, we developed a transplantation model. As it was impossible to transplant fetal epidermis, whole fetal skin was grafted onto adult severe combined immunodeficient mice. As opposed to the uniform absence of donor LC at the time of transplantation, examination of the epidermis from the grafts after 2-4 weeks revealed MHC class II(+) donor cells, which had acquired CD205 and CD207, thus qualifying them as LC. Finally, we present evidence that endogenous LC persist in skin grafts for the observation period of 45 days. These studies show that hematopoietic precursors seed the skin during embryonic life and can give rise to LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Chang-Rodriguez
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Vienna, Lazarettgasse 19, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Burkert KL, Huhn K, Menezes DW, Murphy GF. Langerhans cell microgranulomas (pseudo-pautrier abscesses): morphologic diversity, diagnostic implications and pathogenetic mechanisms. J Cutan Pathol 2002; 29:511-6. [PMID: 12358807 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0560.2002.290901.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The term 'Langerhans cell microgranuloma' (LCM) was introduced a decade ago to draw attention to focal collections of these cells within the epidermal layer that develops during certain immune reactions. In spite of a growing awareness of this phenomenon during the past decade, few reports have focused on the development and phenotype of LCM. In this commentary, we review the historical development of the concept of LCM, demonstrate the salient immunomorphologic characteristics of LCM, and advance a hypothesis to explain their sequential evolution and formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Burkert
- The center for Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Leenen PJ, Egeler RM. Langerhans' cell histiocytosis is caused by dysregulation of the E-cadherin-beta-catenin cascade: a hypothesis. Immunol Cell Biol 1999; 77:460-7. [PMID: 10540213 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1711.1999.00856.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a proliferative disease of cells of the dendritic cell lineage, closely resembling activated Langerhans' cells. The clinical picture of LCH is greatly variable, suggesting a scale of aberrancies at the cellular level. Despite progress in clinical treatment, the aetiology and pathogenesis of this disease remain unknown. In the present paper, we present the hypothesis that dysregulation of the E-cadherin-beta-catenin-Wnt cascade, which has both adhesive and transcriptional functions, may be fundamental to the development of LCH. This hypothesis is founded upon two notions: (i) careful regulation of this cascade is essential in normal Langerhans cell activation; and (ii) abnormalities in the E-cadherin-beta-catenin cascade are a major cause of epithelial neoplastic proliferation. On the basis of this hypothesis, we present three alternative scenarios that may describe the initial steps in the pathogenesis of LCH.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Leenen
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Lotti TM, Ghersetich I, Comacchi C, Katsambas A, Tsoureli E. Langerhans' cells and cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis. Clin Dermatol 1999; 17:591-6. [PMID: 10590855 DOI: 10.1016/s0738-081x(99)00065-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T M Lotti
- Department of Dermatology, University of Florence, Italy
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Ghaznawie M, Papadimitriou JM, Heenan PJ. The steady-state turnover of murine epidermal Langerhans cells. Br J Dermatol 1999; 141:57-61. [PMID: 10417516 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1999.02921.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We have investigated the steady-state turnover of murine epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) using an X-irradiation model, 3H-thymidine autoradiography and cultured epidermal sheet explants, and by assessing the LC population in normal mice. The LC density after whole-body irradiation without any cutaneous shielding was not significantly different from that in skin shielded during whole-body irradiation (P > 0.05), indicating that the additional irradiation to the skin did not contribute to a decrease in LC density. In both instances, the LC number gradually decreased in a linear fashion. The results indicate that epidermal LCs continuously leave the epidermis and are continually replaced by circulating precursor cells from the bone marrow at a steady rate. Autoradiographic studies after a pulse injection of 3H-thymidine showed a labelling index of 0.013%, indicating that local mitosis is not an important contributor to the maintenance of the epidermal LC population. Although local X-irradiation resulted in temporary reduction of LC density, epidermal sheet explant culture obtained immediately after local X-irradiation showed no difference in LC density as compared with control unirradiated skin, indicating that the decrease in LC density was not due to significant LC destruction. From these data, we calculated that the half-life of murine LCs in the epidermis is approximately 9 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ghaznawie
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Hasanuddin, Jalan Kandea 2A, Ujung Pandang, Indonesia.
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Stemmer BL, Arlian LG, Morgan MS, Rapp CM, Moore PF. Characterization of antigen presenting cells and T-cells in progressing scabietic skin lesions. Vet Parasitol 1996; 67:247-58. [PMID: 9017872 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(96)01038-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Experimentally infested dogs expressed successful adaptive immunity and self-cured of scabies after previously having scabies that required treatment to cure. A biphasic increase and decrease of CD1a+ Langerhans cells (LCs) in the epidermis of hosts infested the first time (sensitized) and infested a second time (challenged) suggested that these cells were actively involved in the hosts' early immune response to scabies. In contrast, in the dermis CD1a+ cell densities during both infestations increased to a single peak that followed the first peak of these cells in the epidermis. In addition, there was an influx of T-lymphocytes (CD3 epsilon + cells) and CD11c+ cells into the dermis following the first peak of LCs in the epidermis. The influx of T-lymphocytes in the dermis coincided with the peak density of CD1a+ cells in the dermis and epidermis during the second infestation. In both the epidermis and dermis, MHC Class II+ cell density profiles were similar to that of CD1a during the first infestation and then exhibited single peaks during the second infestation. The increases in CD1a+, CD3 epsilon + (T-lymphocytes), CD11c+, and MHC Class II+ cell responses in the dermis occurred earlier and were more intense in the challenge infestation compared with the first infestation. These data indicate that T-lymphocytes (CD3 epsilon +), CD11c+, MHC Class II+, and CD1a+ cells in the dermis played a major role in the successful immune response to scabies mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Stemmer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
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Nasir A, Gaspari AA. Contact dermatitis. Clinical perspectives and basic mechanisms. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 1996; 14:151-84. [PMID: 8727021 DOI: 10.1007/bf02780197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Nasir
- Medical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Abstract
A simple and rapid method for the phenotypic analysis of mononuclear phagocytes is described. Using flow cytometry, surface markers, as well as intracellular antigens and DNA content of peripheral blood monocytes, or differentiated monocytic cells could be analysed. Furthermore, the method has been of use in several species and is therefore not restricted to applications in humans. Different modes of data acquisition and analysis were compared and are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Steinbach
- Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany
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Tu P, Miyauchi S, Miki Y. Age-related proliferative activity in dermal melanocytic naevi detected by PCNA/cyclin expression. Br J Dermatol 1993; 129:65-8. [PMID: 8103667 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1993.tb03313.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A monoclonal antibody was used to demonstrate proliferating cell nuclear antigen in routine, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of dermal melanocytic naevi, including naevus naevocellularis partim lipomatodes, in different age-groups. The labelling indices of the melanocytic naevus cells were < 1% of those in the overlying epidermal basal cells, and showed a statistically significant decrease with ageing, and also in naevus naevocellularis partim lipomatodes, whereas the indices of the basal cells in the overlying interfollicular epidermis did not show any age-related changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Tu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Ehime School of Medicine, Japan
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Steinbach F, Thiele B. Monocyte-derived Langerhans cells from different species-morphological and functional characterization. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 1993; 329:213-8. [PMID: 7691030 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4615-2930-9_36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Teunissen MB. Dynamic nature and function of epidermal Langerhans cells in vivo and in vitro: a review, with emphasis on human Langerhans cells. THE HISTOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 1992; 24:697-716. [PMID: 1428996 DOI: 10.1007/bf01460823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) are Birbeck granule-containing bone-marrow-derived cells, which are located mainly in the suprabasal layer of the epidermis. They can be readily identified by their strong expression of CD1a and MHC class II molecules. In addition to these 'classical' properties, an extensive phenotypic profile of normal human LC, summarized in this review, is now available. The powerful capacity of LC to activate T lymphocytes is clearly documented and, to date, LC are recognized as the prominent antigen-presenting cells of the skin immune system. They are generally believed to pick up antigens encountered in the epidermis and to migrate subsequently from the epidermis to the skin-draining lymph nodes. Upon arrival in the paracortex of lymph nodes, the antigen-laden LC transform into interdigitating cells and they present antigen to naive T lymphocytes in a MHC class II-restricted fashion; this results in the generation of antigen-specific immune responses. It has also been demonstrated that transformation of LC into interdigitating cells occurs when LC are cultured in vitro. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have indicated that properties of LC, such as phenotype, morphology and the stimulatory potential to activate T lymphocytes, are dependent on the local microenvironment in which the LC reside. The essential role of LC in the induction of contact allergic skin reactions and skin transplant rejection is well established.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Teunissen
- Department of Dermatology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Zambruno G, Girolomoni G, Manca V, Andreani M, Galimberti M, Lucarelli G, Giannetti A. Epidermal Langerhans cells after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: depletion by chemotherapy conditioning regimen alone. J Cutan Pathol 1992; 19:187-92. [PMID: 1383297 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.1992.tb01657.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Depletion of Langerhans cells (LC) is known to follow bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and is thought to be mainly related to pretransplant radiation and chemotherapy conditioning regimens. We studied sequential biopsies of clinically normal skin of 22 thalassemic and leukemic patients undergoing allogeneic BMT who had received only chemotherapy (busulfan and cyclophosphamide) as conditioning regimen. LC were identified immunohistochemically using antibodies against CD1a and HLA-DR antigens, and their number expressed per square mm of epidermal vertical section, the latter measured by computerized image analysis. After the preparatory regimen, the number of LC decreased progressively in both leukemic and thalassemic patients. CD1a+ and HLA-DR+ epidermal cells were reduced, respectively, to 68.5% and 64.5% of their original number around Day 2, and to 23.1% and to 18.2% around Day 17. By this time, electron microscopic examination of selected biopsies confirmed the depletion of LC. Variable repopulation was observed between Days 40 and 60. Our results indicate that a conditioning regimen based exclusively on high dose chemotherapy depletes epidermal LC early after BMT, and that such depletion is not related to the development of acute graft-versus-host disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Zambruno
- Clinica Dermatologica, Università di Modena, Italy
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Andrews FJ, Halliday GM, Narkowicz CK, Muller HK. Indomethacin inhibits the chemical carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene but not dimethylbenz(a)anthracene from altering Langerhans cell distribution and morphology. Br J Dermatol 1991; 124:29-36. [PMID: 1899617 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1991.tb03278.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of murine skin with the polyaromatic hydrocarbon carcinogens benzo(a)pyrene (BP) or dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) for 3 weeks resulted in an increase and a decrease in epidermal Langerhans cell (LC) numbers, respectively, compared with solvent-treated skin. Implantation of subcutaneous indomethacin pellets prior to carcinogen treatment prevented the changes in LC numbers and morphology in BP, but not DMBA-treated skin. Indomethacin treatment was also found to reduce elevated prostaglandin E2 (PGE)2 levels in the skin of BP-treated mice, whereas PGE2 levels were not significantly raised in DMBA-treated mice. There thus appears to be a link between altered prostaglandin levels and LC numbers in murine skin treated with BP, but not DMBA. In the latter, LC numbers were reduced by mechanisms not reversed by indomethacin. It is concluded that increased prostaglandin levels may contribute to the impairment of cutaneous immunity previously observed in BP-treated mice by altering LC density and morphology within the epidermis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Andrews
- Department of Pathology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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Hume WJ, Moore JK. DNA synthesis in Langerhans' cells of mouse ear epithelium revealed by tritiated thymidine autoradiography and histochemical staining for non-specific esterase and beta-glucuronidase activity. CELL AND TISSUE KINETICS 1989; 22:311-8. [PMID: 2605618 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2184.1989.tb00216.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The proportion of Langerhans' cells in DNA synthesis in normal mouse skin was assessed by combining tritiated thymidine [3H]TdR autoradiography with enzyme histochemistry. After injection of [3H]TdR, ear skin was treated in two ways. Epithelial sheet preparations were stained for the presence of non-specific esterase and cytospin preparations of epithelial cell suspensions were stained for beta-glucuronidase activity. The labelling index (+/- SE mean) for cytospins, 40 min after injecting [3H]TdR, was 1.6 +/- 0.15%, doubling to 3-4% from 7-17 days after injection. The sheet preparations showed the proportion of label attributable to paired Langerhans' cells rising from 18% at 40 min after injection, to approximately 45%, on days 1-4 after injection. These results suggest that the proliferation of Langerhans' cells in normal mouse skin might be higher than was previously thought to be the case.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Hume
- Department of Dental Surgery, Leeds University School of Dentistry, U.K
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