Human epidermal Langerhans cells are selectively recognized by galectin-3 but not by galectin-1.
Langerhans cells are dendritic antigen-presenting cells residing predominantly in the epidermis. Since endogenous galactoside-binding lectins with the jelly-roll motif (galectins) are known to trigger cellular responses, including mediator release, we investigated by lectin histochemistry the cells' capacity to bind two common members of this family, i.e. galectin-1 and -3. Actually, surrounding keratinocytes express a high level of galectin-3, and these cells can be considered as donors of this lectin to Langerhans cells. Employing biotinylated galectin-1 and -3, and concomitantly an antibody against CD1a as a second marker, to visualize the position of Langerhans cells in the human epidermis, the expression of galectin-3-reactive glycoligands in contrast to the lack of binding of galectin-1 was observed. Although the functional consequences of this selectivity are unclear, these results reveal an example for differential cellular reactivity towards two related endogenous lectins.
Holíková
Z
Z
Charles University, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Prague, Czech Republic.
Smetana
K
K
Bartůnková
J
J
Dvoránková
B
B
Kaltner
H
H
Gabius
H J
HJ
D000328:Adult; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D018949:Antigens, CD1 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000276:immunology*; D001665:Binding Sites; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D000939:Epitopes / Q000032:analysis; D037483:Galectin 1; D037502:Galectin 3; D006388:Hemagglutinins / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D037102:Lectins / Q000276:immunology; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology
D015703:Antigens, CD; D018949:Antigens, CD1; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D000939:Epitopes; D037483:Galectin 1; D037502:Galectin 3; D006388:Hemagglutinins; D037102:Lectins