A model system using tape stripping for characterization of Langerhans cell-precursors in vivo.

Little is known about the immigration of bone marrow-derived progenitors of Langerhans cells (LC) into the epidermis. We developed an in vivo system based on the tape stripping method that allowed us to study the immigration of LC into the epidermis after intradermal injection of bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DC). Tape stripping induced a mechanical disruption of the epidermal barrier that led to skin inflammation and subsequent emigration of LC and dermal DC from the skin.

Expression of C-type lectin receptors by subsets of dendritic cells in human skin.

C-type lectins are cell surface receptors that recognize carbohydrate structures which are often part of microbial pathogens. Several of these molecules are expressed on dendritic cells and are involved in antigen uptake. Expression of C-type lectins on dendritic cells of the human skin, i.

Ontogeny of Langerin/CD207 expression in the epidermis of mice.

C-type lectin receptors help Langerhans cells (LC) to take up and process pathogens. Langerin/CD207 is a mannose-binding C-type lectin that is specifically expressed by LC. It is involved in antigen uptake in an as yet poorly defined way, and it is a major molecular constituent of Birbeck granules.

Increased expression of CCL20 in human inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) constituting Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is related to a dysregulated T cell response. CCL20 attracts memory T lymphocytes and dendritic cells. We asked whether CCL20 expression is altered in IBD.

Langerhans cells - dendritic cells of the epidermis.

Langerhans cells (LC) are dendritic cells of the epidermis. They are highly specialized leukocytes that serve immunogenic and tolerogenic purposes. Here, we review some aspects of LC biology, emphasizing those areas where LC are or may turn out to be special.

Visualization and characterization of migratory Langerhans cells in murine skin and lymph nodes by antibodies against Langerin/CD207.

Dendritic cells are professional antigen-presenting cells that initiate primary immunity. Migration from sites of antigen uptake to lymphoid organs is crucial for the generation of immune responses. We investigated the migratory pathways specifically of epidermal Langerhans cells by tracing them from the epidermis to the draining lymph nodes.

Ectopic expression of the murine chemokines CCL21a and CCL21b induces the formation of lymph node-like structures in pancreas, but not skin, of transgenic mice.

The CC chemokine CCL21 is a potent chemoattractant for lymphocytes and dendritic cells in vitro. In the murine genome there are multiple copies of CCL21 encoding two CCL21 proteins that differ from each other by one amino acid at position 65 (either a serine or leucine residue). In this report, we examine the expression pattern and biological activities of both forms of CCL21.

Dendritic cells contribute to the development of atopy by an insufficiency in IL-12 production.

Background: IL-12 is a crucial factor in the development and course of allergic diseases. By virtue of their IL-12 production, dendritic cells (DCs) are potent inducers of T(H)1 responses. However, distinct subsets of DCs have also been shown to induce T(H)2 differentiation.