Langerin: a new lectine specific for Langerhans cells induces the formation of Birbeck granules

Generation of monoclonal antibodies restricted to human dendritic cells gen erated from CD34(+) hematopoietic precursors has enabled the identification of Langerin, a Ca++-dependent type II lectin. Only expressed by Langerhans cells. Langerin is responsible for Birbeck granule formation by membrane s uperimposition and zippering. Furthermore, cell-surface Langerin is rapidly internalized into Birbeck granules, and does not colocalize with MHC class II rich compartments. Langerin gene transfected into mouse fibroblasts ind uces the formation of Birbeck granule-like structures, that would permit a better understanding of the function of Birbeck granules. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.