Ultrastructural characteristics of the contact zones between langerhans cells and lymphocytes

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Abstract
The present work was carried out to look for the ultrastructural substrate of the contact zones between Langerhans cells and lymphocytes. A high resolution electron microscopic analysis of the contact zones between Langerhans cells and lymphocytes was performed. The material used for this study was obtained from experimental contact dermatitis in mice, and human cervical squamous carcinoma and mycosis fungoides. Three types of cell—cell binding were found. Type I is a junction‐like structure characterized by the presence of intercellular bridges. It is suggested that this contact might represent a fixation mechanism between the two cells. Type II is characterized by a glycocalyx—glycocalyx continuity. An immunological function—recognition and antigen presentation—is proposed for this type of contact. Type III is a septilaminar tight contact area which seems to be a gap junction. It is suggested that all these types of physical contact might be the morphological expression of interaction between antigen presenting cells and lymphocytes.