title: [The functional morphology of the Langerhans cells in the female reproductive tract].
abstract: The modern views on the distribution, morphological and functional characteristics of Langerhans cells (LCs) and their role in the immunological defense system in female genital tract are summarised. Within this tract, LCs are situated mainly in the mucosal epithelia of vagina and uterine cervix. They are surrounded by hormone-dependent and cyclically changing epithelium and are highly sensitive to hormonal and deleterious factors. LCs function as a component of afferent limb of the local immune system. which has special properties as it is modulated by the changing hormonal levels, provides the antimicrobial immunity and is tolerant to multiple immunization with sperm antigens. Perspectives in the study of LCs in female genital tract are discussed.
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Bykov
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*
vernacular_title: Funktsional'naia morfologiia kletok Langergansa zhenskogo reproduktivnogo trakta.