Surface expression of Fc epsilon RI on Langerhans' cells of clinically uninvolved skin is associated with disease activity in atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma, and rhinitis.

Background: Fc epsilon RI expressed on the surface of human epidermal Langerhans' cells facilitates uptake of IgE-associated allergens and plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Seminal results from studies investigating Langerhans' cell Fc epsilon RI in skin biopsy sections or epidermal cell suspensions demonstrate the highest receptor expression in lesional skin of patients with active atopic dermatitis.

Objective: We sought to investigate and localize Fc epsilon RI expression on Langerhans' cells within a minimally disturbed tissue environment in clinically uninvolved skin and to compare receptor expression between healthy donors and patients with atopic dermatitis or other allergic diseases.