Expression of Transforming Growth Factor Type Beta on Human Epidermal Dendritic Cells

Our study demonstrates that epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) of healthy human skin produce Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). This multipotent mediator might keep the immunocompetent LC in an “immature” stage, in which they are able to capture and process antigen. Development to potent antigen-presenting cells would become possible after migration from the epidermal network to the draining lymph node to stimulate (auto-)reactive T-cell clones