Langerhans cells utilize CD1a and langerin to efficiently present nonpeptide antigens to T cells
Robert E. Hunger, … , Steven A. Porcelli, Robert L. Modlin
Robert E. Hunger, … , Steven A. Porcelli, Robert L. Modlin
Published March 1, 2004
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2004;113(5):701-708. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI19655.
View: Text | PDF
Article Dermatology

Langerhans cells utilize CD1a and langerin to efficiently present nonpeptide antigens to T cells

Abstract

Langerhans cells (LCs) constitute a subset of DCs that initiate immune responses in skin. Using leprosy as a model, we investigated whether expression of CD1a and langerin, an LC-specific C-type lectin, imparts a specific functional role to LCs. LC-like DCs and freshly isolated epidermal LCs presented nonpeptide antigens of Mycobacterium leprae to T cell clones derived from a leprosy patient in a CD1a-restricted and langerin-dependent manner. LC-like DCs were more efficient at CD1a-restricted antigen presentation than monocyte-derived DCs. LCs in leprosy lesions coexpress CD1a and langerin, placing LCs in position to efficiently present a subset of antigens to T cells as part of the host response to human infectious disease.

Authors

Robert E. Hunger, Peter A. Sieling, Maria Teresa Ochoa, Makoto Sugaya, Anne E. Burdick, Thomas H. Rea, Patrick J. Brennan, John T. Belisle, Andrew Blauvelt, Steven A. Porcelli, Robert L. Modlin

×

Figure 1

Options: View larger image (or click on image) Download as PowerPoint
Phenotype of cord blood–derived LC-like DCs and MD-DCs. (A) LC-like DCs ...
Phenotype of cord blood–derived LC-like DCs and MD-DCs. (A) LC-like DCs and MD-DCs were stained with mAb’s specific for CD1a (solid line) and mouse IgG control antibody (dashed line). MFI is indicated for the positive cell population. (B) LC-like DCs and MD-DCs were double-stained with mAb’s specific for CD1a and langerin. The numbers indicate the percentage of cells in each quadrant. One representative experiment is shown from four independent donors. (C) LC-like DCs and MD-DCs were stained with numerous surface proteins. MFI was determined by flow cytometry. For each data point, cells from three different donors were analyzed (± SEM). The ratios of MFI from LC-like DCs to MFI from MD-DCs were calculated and shown on a log scale as indicated.