Epidermal Langerhans' cells and their function in the skin immune system.
OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the role of the epidermal Langerhans' cell in contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. Included in this review are sections on the historical, morphologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic aspects of the Langerhans' cell. Differences between freshly isolated and cultured Langerhans' cells are reviewed in terms of cell surface markers and functional differences. The different IgE binding structures on the surface of Langerhans' cells are reviewed with discussion of their possible roles. The effects of different cytokines in the microenvironment are also commented upon. Other diseases where the Langerhans' cell is important such as histiocytosis X, HIV-1 infection, and skin graft rejection are briefly reviewed.


METHODS
English literature search (1974-1994), indexing terms: Langerhans' cells, atopic dermatitis, IgE.


METHODS
The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent knowledge of Langerhans' cell function and relate this to the allergist/immunologist.


CONCLUSIONS
Epidermal Langerhans' cells play a central role in the immune response in exhibiting multiple cell-surface receptors and secreting a variety of cytokines that are important in the pathogenesis of contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, histiocytosis X, HIV-1 infection, and skin graft rejection.
Hogan
A D
AD
Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children's Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Little Rock, USA.
Burks
A W
AW
D004817:Epidermis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires