title: Immunobiology of Langerhans' cells migrating into aural cholesteatomas.
abstract: Immunohistochemical and submicroscopic analyses of human cholesteatoma matrices reveal the presence of Langerhans' cells and T lymphocytes. Through cell-to-cell interaction, Langerhans' cells probably play a key role in skin-related disorders, including cholesteatomas. They originate from a mobile cell population of monocyte origin and migrate into and out of the body's lining. Their custodial function is always carried out in close relation with T lymphocytes. Various monoclonal antibodies directed against Langerhans' cell and T lymphocyte membrane receptors reveal the presence of these cell populations in cholesteatoma matrices but not in the tympanic membrane. Langerhans' cell and T cell traffic through cholesteatomas are discussed in relation to the pathogenesis, natural course, and recurrence rate of cholesteatomas. Through immunopathologic evaluation the clinical aggressiveness of a cholesteatoma will probably become predictable. Medical manipulation of Langerhans' cell and T cell functions- as an adjuvant to surgery - may have consequences for the future handling of cholesteatomas.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D002450:Cell Communication; D002465:Cell Movement; D002648:Child; D002781:Cholesteatoma / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008875:Middle Aged; D009000:Monocytes / Q000276:immunology; D012008:Recurrence; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal