ISSN:
1432-069X
Keywords:
Key words HLA-DR
;
HLA-DM
;
Invariant chain
;
CD74
;
Langerhans cells
;
Confocal microscopy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The subcellular distribution patterns of molecules involved in the process of antigen loading [HLA-DR, HLA-DM, and the cytoplasmic and luminal parts of the invariant chain (Ii, CD74)] were investigated in Langerhans cells (LC), both qualitatively and quantitatively. The analysis was performed by immunofluorescence labelling of acetone-fixed vertical cryostat sections from normal human skin specimens and subsequent examination using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CSLM). The intensity-modulated multiple-wavelength scanning (IMS) technique was used to enhance channel separation when scanning dual-labelled specimens. The mean (n = 9) relative epidermal volumes of reactivity were: HLA-DR 8% ± 3%, HLA-DM 6% ± 2%, luminal Ii 6% ± 2%, and cytoplasmic Ii 4% ± 1%. The difference between HLA-DR and the other epitopes was significant at the P 〈 0.001 level. All molecule combinations, except the combination of HLA-DM and luminal Ii (which was not studied), were to various extents colocalized. Experiments performed on unfixed epidermal sheets showed that HLA-DM is present on the cell surface of LC, suggesting that HLA-DM may interact with HLA-DR on the surface to induce peptide loading.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004030050372
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