It is true that, when Langerhans cells migrate from the skin to the lymph node, they are transported via lymph vessels.
BACKGROUND
Generally, Langerhans cells deliver antigen information from the skin to the draining lymph nodes via lymph vessels.


METHODS
By immunohistopathology, we investigated the delivery route of Langerhans cells in human skin using CD1a and S-100 protein antibodies.


RESULTS
We noted CD1a- and S-100-positive Langerhans cells in the lymph vessels of the dermis. These were shaped like dendritic cells and presented with some lymphocytes, melanophages, melanin granules and lymph in the same vessels.


CONCLUSIONS
These observations support the concept that Langerhans cells deliver antigen peptides to regional lymph nodes via afferent lymph vessels.
Sugiura
Keiji
K
Division of Pathological Cytology, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan. ksugiura@med.nagoya-u.ac.jp
Shamoto
Mikihiro
M
Sakamoto
Nao
N
Shinzato
Masanori
M
Osada
Akiko
A
Sugiura
Mariko
M
Hayakawa
Ritsuko
R
Kato
Yoshimi
Y
D018949:Antigens, CD1 / Q000276:immunology*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*
D018949:Antigens, CD1; C419393:CD1a antigen; D009418:S100 Proteins