Abstract
Langerhans cells (LCs) constitute a subset of DCs that initiate immune responses in skin. Using leprosy as a model, we investigated whether expression of CD1a and langerin, an LC-specific C-type lectin, imparts a specific functional role to LCs. LC-like DCs and freshly isolated epidermal LCs presented nonpeptide antigens of Mycobacterium leprae to T cell clones derived from a leprosy patient in a CD1a-restricted and langerin-dependent manner. LC-like DCs were more efficient at CD1a-restricted antigen presentation than monocyte-derived DCs. LCs in leprosy lesions coexpress CD1a and langerin, placing LCs in position to efficiently present a subset of antigens to T cells as part of the host response to human infectious disease.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Antigen Presentation*
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Antigens, CD
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Antigens, CD1 / metabolism
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Antigens, CD1 / physiology*
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Antigens, Surface / metabolism
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Antigens, Surface / physiology*
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Cell Division
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Epidermis / immunology
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Fetal Blood / metabolism
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Humans
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Immunohistochemistry
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Langerhans Cells / metabolism
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Langerhans Cells / physiology*
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Lectins / chemistry
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Lectins, C-Type / metabolism
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Lectins, C-Type / physiology*
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Leprosy / immunology
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Mannose-Binding Lectins / metabolism
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Mannose-Binding Lectins / physiology*
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Microscopy, Fluorescence
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Mycobacterium leprae / metabolism
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Phenotype
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Receptors, Antigen / chemistry
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T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
Substances
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Antigens, CD
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Antigens, CD1
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Antigens, Surface
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CD1a antigen
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CD207 protein, human
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Lectins
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Lectins, C-Type
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Mannose-Binding Lectins
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Receptors, Antigen