Epidermal LC are dispensable for βGal-specific immunity but down-regulate OVA-specific T cell functions.

Abstract

<p>LangDTR or B6 WT mice were injected once with 1μg DT. Epidermal sheets were stained for langerin expression 3 wks later. (B) Repopulation of langerin⁺ DC in the dermis analyzed by FACS. LdDC from back skin were identified as CD11c⁺ EpCam^neg langerin⁺ cells. Groups of langDTR and B6 WT mice, treated once with 1μg DT were GG-immunized with either, pCI-OVA or pCI-βGal starting 1wk after DT treatment and boosted after 1wk. Splenocytes were in vitro restimulated with (C) CTL peptides DAPIYTNV for βGal- (left panel) or SIINFEKL for OVA-immunized mice (right panel) or with (E) βGal protein (left panel) or OVA protein (right panel) and analyzed for IFNγ secretion by ELISPOT technique. (D) Specific lysis of DAPIYTNV-pulsed (left panel) or SIINFEKL-pulsed (right panel) syngeneic target cells injected into GG-immunized langDTR and WT mice. (F) IgG1 antibody titers were analyzed by ELISA. Data represent means ± SD of groups of 4–5 mice and representative at least of two experiments.</p