A question of persistence: Langerhans cells and graft-versus-host disease.
Langerhans cells (LCs) have been scrutinized many times in studies of the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). As migratory dendritic cells, LCs are capable of direct antigen presentation to cytotoxic T cells. Their self-renewal capacity has led to speculation that persistent recipient LCs could provide a continuous source of host antigen to donor T cells infused during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In this issue of Experimental Dermatology, a new study examines at the relationship between recipient LCs and chronic GVHD.
Human Dendritic Cell Laboratory, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Matthew
M
Collin
Laura
L
Jardine
D005260:Female; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology*; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male
Graft-versus-host disease; Langerhans cells