Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Langerhans cells (LCs) are a distinct population of dendritic cells that form a contiguous network in the epidermis of the skin. Although LCs possess many of the properties of highly proficient dendritic cells, recent studies have indicated that they are not necessary to initiate cutaneous immunity. In this study, we used a tractable model of cutaneous GVHD, induced by topical application of a Toll-like receptor agonist, to explore the role of LCs in the development of tissue injury. By adapting this model to permit inducible and selective depletion of host LCs, we found that GVHD was significantly reduced when LCs were absent. However, LCs were not required either for CD8 T-cell activation within the draining lymph node or subsequent homing of effector cells to the epidermis. Instead, we found that LCs were necessary for inducing transcription of IFN-γ and other key effector molecules by donor CD8 cells in the epidermis, indicating that they license CD8 cells to induce epithelial injury. These data demonstrate a novel regulatory role for epidermal LCs during the effector phase of an inflammatory immune response in the skin.

Original publication

DOI

10.1182/blood-2011-01-329185

Type

Journal article

Journal

Blood

Publication Date

30/06/2011

Volume

117

Pages

7063 - 7069

Keywords

Aminoquinolines, Animals, Cell Communication, Cells, Cultured, Chimera, Cytotoxicity, Immunologic, Epidermis, Gene Expression Regulation, Graft vs Host Disease, Granzymes, Imiquimod, Interferon-gamma, Langerhans Cells, Mice, Mice, Inbred BALB C, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Transgenic, RNA, Messenger, T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand, Toll-Like Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha