Participation of epidermal langerhans cells in human pathology and their potential as targets for drug development: A review of literature
Por:
Ayala-García I., Hernández-Segura A.M., Castell-Rodríguez A., Pérez S.J.A., Téllez B.H., Ramírez-González M.D.
Publicada:
1 ene 2005
Resumen:
Langerhans cells (LC) are antigen presenting cells of the epidermis originated from bone marrow progenitors that arrive into the epidermis through the blood vessels LC are also referred to as dendritic cells. In the presence of antigens LC become activated and migrate from the skin to the lymph nodes where they induce T cells responses, therefore, LC function as sentinels of the epidermis and constitute, in part the Skin Immune System (SIS). LC have been implicated in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of diverse diseases such as atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) and melanoma, among others. The aim of this review is to draw the attention of pharmacologists towards LC as targets for drug action and drug development due to their immunesurveillance function. LC modulate the SIS as an endogenous mechanism of defense against many infectious agents, xenobiotics, and for the treatment of cancer, infections, and autoimmune diseases. A review of the literature on LC is presented here giving emphasis to LC cell cycle and cellular and molecular characteristics, LC possible role in human pathologies, and LC therapeutic potential. Skin is the largest organ of the human body and it constitutes the first barrier against many infectious agents and xenobiotics. The skin defense mechanism is integrated as the Skin Immune System (SIS) and recruits the participation of cell types which are immune - response associated based on the humoral constituent produced: keratinocytes ? antimicrobial peptides; T lymphocytes ? free radicals; vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells ? eicosanoids and prostaglandins; tissue macrophages and monocytes ? immunoglobulins; granulocytes ? cytokines and neuropeptides; mast cells ? fibrinolysins; and dermal dendritic cells ? complement and complement regulatory proteins. Langerhans cells (LC) are specialized epithelial dendritic cells and contribute to the function of SIS as antigen presenting cells; mainly using class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC II). LC can be considered as resident and recirculating dendritic cells of SIS that can actively participate in both innate and adaptive immune response of skin [1-4]. Immune reactions to foreign or self-antigens may lead to either an immune resp
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