Langerin [SEP] found in taxon
cell types including dermal CD103+ DCs and splenic CD8+ DCs. Langerin is localized in the Birbeck granules, organelles present in the cytoplasm of Langerhans cells and consisting of superimposed and zippered membranes. It is a C-type lectin with mannose binding specificity, and it has been proposed that mannose binding by this protein leads to internalization of antigen into Birbeck granules and providing access to a nonclassical antigen-processing pathway.
Clinical significance.
Langerin on mucosal Langerhans cells of the human genital epithelium binds to HIV-1 and subsequently internalizes
normal circumstances persist throughout life, being replenished by local proliferation as necessary. If the skin becomes severely inflamed, perhaps because of infection, blood monocytes are recruited to the affected region and differentiate into replacement LCs. They are similar in morphology and function to macrophages.
Langerin is a protein found in Langerhans cells, and other types of dendritic cells.
Clinical significance.
Clinical significance LCH.
In the rare disease Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), an excess of cells similar to these cells are produced. However LCH