Work

Absence of Langerhans cells resulted in over-influx of neutrophils and increased bacterial burden in skin wounds

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Langerhans cells (LCs) are resident dendritic cells in the epidermis and their roles in presenting antigens derived from microorganisms present in the skin has been well appreciated. However, it is generally thought that incoming neutrophils are mainly responsible for eradicating invading pathogens in the early stage of wounds and a role of LCs in innate immunity is elusive. In the current study, we showed that wounds absent of LCs had a delayed closure. Mechanistically, LCs were the primary cells in warding off bacteria invasion at the early stage of wound healing. Without LCs, commensal bacteria quickly invaded and propagated in the wounded area. keratinocytes surrounding the wounds responded to the excessive bacteria by elevated production of CXCL5, resulting in an over-influx of neutrophils. The over-presence of activated neutrophils, possibly together with the aggravated invasion of bacteria, was detrimental to epidermal progenitor cell propagation and re-epithelialization. These observations underscore an indispensable role of LCs as effective guardians that preclude both bacteria invasion and damages inflicted by secondary inflammation.

Source: Cell Death and Disease

DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-07143-1

Authors: Zheng-Cai Wang, Yan-Yan Hu, Xiao Z. Shen, Wei-Qiang Tan

Institutions: Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University

Language: English

Topic: Wound Healing and Treatments

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,790