Expression of transforming growth factor type beta on human epidermal dendritic cells.
Our study demonstrates that epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) of healthy human skin produce Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). This multipotent mediator might keep the immunocompetent LC in an "immature" stage, in which they are able to capture and process antigen. Development to potent antigen-presenting cells would become possible after migration from the epidermal network to the draining lymph node to stimulate (auto-)reactive T-cell clones.
Gruschwitz
M S
MS
Department of Dermatology, Medical School, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Federal Republic of Germany.
Hornstein
O P
OP
D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008233:Lymphotoxin-alpha / Q000032:analysis*; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D008233:Lymphotoxin-alpha