CD1a positive putative tumour infiltrating dendritic cells in human breastcancer

CD1a molecules are expressed on dendritic cells (DC) during certain maturat ional phases coincident with the functions of antigen capture and processin g. During these phases, CD1a is anchored to the cytoplasmic membrane throug h its cytoplasmic domain and the antigenic binding domain is projected from the cell surface. Membrane bound HLA Class I and II molecules are also exp ressed at relatively high levels on DC, but it is not brown whether there i s any interdependence between CD1 expression and that of the classical hist ocompatability molecules. Recent information concerning the structure, func tion and likely role of CD1 in presentation of hydrophobic lipid and carboh ydrate antigens to the immune system is detailed. The potential relevance o f the lipid presenting functions of CD1 molecules for the detection and rec ognition of tumour glycolipid antigens is hypothesised and discussed. CD1 a tumour infiltrating putative dendritic cells are discussed in terms of the ir density, separation, culture and possible function in. breast cancers in the light of recent findings.