Ia antigens in mouse skin are predominantly expressed on Langerhans cells.
We have investigated the expression of products of the mouse major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on BALB/c and A/J epidermal cells. By using reagents with specificity for various products of the MHC in an indirect immunofluorescence procedure, we found that H-2 antigens are expressed on the vast majority of epidermal cells. Ia antigens, by contrast, are present on only 2.4 to 6.9% of all epidermal cells. These Ia-bearing cells bear a receptor for the Fc portion of IgG and ultrastructurally exhibit the characteristics of Langerhans cells. Ia antigens on Langerhans cells are encoded for by at least the I-A and I-E/C subregions of the MHC.
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008805:Mice, Inbred A; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D012397:Rosette Formation; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology*
D006649:Histocompatibility Antigens