Langerhans cells in skin fall under which category: (A) Sensory neurons, (B) Pigment producing cells, (C) Antigen presenting cell, (D) Keratin synthesising cell
Answer is C. Langerhans Cell (LC) * Bone marrow-derived dendritic cell with monocyte-macrophage lineage found in stratum spinosum; constitutes 3-5% of cells of epidermis; contains actin and vimentin * Critical in recognizing and presenting foreign antigens to specific T lymphocytes . * Connected to keratinocytes E-cadherin receptors . * On EM, Langerhans cell with folded nucleus and distinct intracytoplasmic organelles (Birbeck granules: striated appearance with either rod-shape and/or tennis-racquet-shape). * Exposure to UV radiation causes depletion of LCs and decreases ability to present antigen. Ref:- Dermatology by sima Jain; pg num:- 9