T-cell response to purified protein derivative after removal of Langerhans' cells from epidermal cell suspensions containing keratinocytes expressing class II transplantation antigens.
In a previous study we observed that human epidermal cell (EC) suspensions containing HLA-DR-expressing keratinocytes showed an amplified T-cell response to purified protein derivative (PPD). To evaluate further the possible immunological importance of class II transplantation antigens on keratinocytes we have compared the T-cell response to PPD in the presence of the following stimulator cells: EC suspensions from normal skin, or EC from tuberculin-reactive skin with or without removal of Langerhans' cells. The proliferation of purified T lymphocytes from peripheral blood in response to PPD in the presence of various concentrations of autologous EC was measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation on day 6. In 3 experiments out of 4 the EC from tuberculin-reactive skin, containing 28-76% HLA-DR-expressing cells as judged by immunocytochemistry (which also revealed fairly numerous HLA-DQ/-DP-expressing keratinocytes and a slight increase in CD36- and CD4- but not CD1-expressing cells), induced a more pronounced T-cell response to PPD than did normal EC. This was not the case in the fourth experiment, in which a small number of HLA-DR-(15%) and few if any HLA-DQ-/-DP-expressing keratinocytes were found. Immunomagnetic removal of CD1-reactive Langerhans' cells from the tuberculin-reactive EC suspensions resulted in a reduction of the T-cell response to PPD, in most cases down to background level (T cells alone + PPD). This study does not support the hypothesis that HLA-DR-expressing keratinocytes can in themselves act as antigen-presenting cells.
Tjernlund
U
U
Department of Dermatology, University of Uppsala, Sweden.
Scheynius
A
A
Johansson
C
C
Hagforsen
E
E
Nilsson
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000032:analysis; D002469:Cell Separation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004817:Epidermis / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D006682:HLA-DP Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D012882:Skin Tests; D013535:Suspensions; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014373:Tuberculin / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D006682:HLA-DP Antigens; D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D013535:Suspensions; D014373:Tuberculin