Langerhans’ Cells may linked to neuro-immuno-modulation

The cutaneous cells bearing Paul Langerhans’ eponym were first described by him in 1868. These cells have remained mysterious for a very long time; as late as 1974, Montagna and Parakkal could state that “their origin remains somewhat obscure and their function is completely unknown.” Langerhans’ cells (LC) play an important role in the induction of contact hypersensitivity and graft rejection. These antigen presenting cells are modulated by various physicochemical agents (such as UV light, in my opinion acupuncture) and can be infected by the AIDS virus. Recent studies also reveal that cytokines mediate their development into potent T cell-stimulatory dendritic cells. Thus, we may well use LC for stimulating nervous system regulatory network as Paul Langerhans stated almost 140 years ago.