Abstract
Mucosal Langerhans cells (LCs) originate from pre-dendritic cells and monocytes. However, the mechanisms involved in their in situ development remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the differentiation of murine mucosal LCs is a two-step process. In the lamina propria, signaling via BMP7-ALK3 promotes translocation of LC precursors to the epithelium. Within the epithelium, TGF-β1 finalizes LC differentiation, and ALK5 is crucial to this process. Moreover, the local microbiota has a major impact on the development of mucosal LCs, whereas LCs in turn maintain mucosal homeostasis and prevent tissue destruction. These results reveal the differential and sequential role of TGF-β1 and BMP7 in LC differentiation and highlight the intimate interplay of LCs with the microbiota.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 481-500 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Journal of Experimental Medicine |
Volume | 215 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Feb 2018 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology