55-kD actin-bundling protein (p55) is a specific marker for identifying vascular dendritic cells

Compared with other members of the dendritic cell family, the antigen profi le of the recently recognized vascular dendritic cells has received limited attention. This study demonstrates that vascular dendritic cells in the hu man aorta and carotid arteries express 55-kD actin-bundling protein (p55), a specific marker for blood dendritic cells and Langerhans cells. This find ing wilt facilitate screening of dendritic cells during their isolation fro m the arterial wall, as well as other investigations.