Langerin

Antigen Background
Langerin is a type II transmembrane C-type lectin which has mannose-binding specificity. It is a 40 kD protein restricted to Langerhans cells that is involved in the internalization of cell surface material in these immature dendritic cells. Dendritic cells are antigen-presenting cells that are required for initiation of a specific T-cell-driven immune response. These cells are found in non-lymphoid tissue as immature cells whose primary function is to capture antigens through specialized surface membrane endocytic structures or through macropinocytosis. The dendritic cells migrate to secondary lymphoid tissue and mature into efficient antigen presenting cells. A part of the maturation process includes the loss of adhesion receptors such as E-cadherin and the disappearance of Birbeck granules. Although Langerin is reported to be located on the cell surface, it can be rapidly internalized following ligand capture into Birbeck granules. In fact, Langerin is a potent inducer of membrane superimposition and zippering leading to Birbeck granule formation. In reports it has been suggested that the induction of Birbeck granules is a consequence of the antigen-capture function of Langerin allowing passage into these organelles and providing access to a non-classical antigen processing pathway.

Disclaimer
Langerin is recommended for the detection of specific antigens of interest in normal and neoplastic tissues, as an adjunct to conventional histopathology using non-immunologic histochemical stains.