Antigen-Presenting Activity of Non-Langerhans Epidermal Cells in Contact Hypersensitivity Reactions |
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Authors: | O. BAADSGAARD S. LISBY C. AVNSTORP O. CLEMMENSEN G. LANGE-VEJLSGAARD |
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Affiliation: | Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Denmark. |
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Abstract: | Despite the critical role of the Langerhans cells in the induction of contact hypersensitivity reactions, non-Langerhans antigen-presenting cells in already sensitized individuals may play a role in the elicitation phase of a contact hypersensitivity reaction. Following epicutaneous challenge with antigens, the number of CD1+DR+ epidermal Langerhans cells increased in a time-dependent way and, concomitantly, CD1-OKM5+DR+ epidermal non-Langerhans cells appeared. In parallel with this, the capacity of epidermal cells to present both alloantigens and auto/nominal antigens increased, and 4 days after initiation of the contact hypersensitivity reactions 33-53% of the epidermal antigen-presenting capacity was due to CD1- non-Langerhans antigen-presenting cells. Thus, contact hypersensitivity skin reactions are accompanied by the appearance of non-Langerhans antigen-presenting cells capable of presenting both alloantigens and auto/nominal antigens. |
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