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.
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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

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Phenotype and restriction pattern of antigen-specific T cell clones. (A)...
Phenotype and restriction pattern of antigen-specific T cell clones. (A) T cell lines B2.1 and B2.11 were analyzed for surface expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, and TCRαβ. (B) Cells were cultured with irradiated LC-like DCs in the presence or absence of antigen (Ag; sonicated M. leprae) with or without blocking antibodies as indicated. T cells were pulsed with 3H-thymidine after 72 hours of culture. Cells were harvested, and 3H incorporation was measured by a scintillation counter. The values shown are the mean ± SEM of triplicate cultures and are representative of at least three independent experiments. Student’s t test was used to compare cpm values of T cells stimulated with antigen alone versus antigen plus neutralizing antibodies. **P < 0.005.