In vivo-matured Langerhans cells continue to take up and process native proteins unlike in vitro-matured counterparts

We have been able to identify the cell subset derived from Langerhans cells in the total dendritic cell population of the peripheral lymph node and he nce to follow their trafficking under normal physiological conditions as we ll as upon skin irritation. As expected, the rapid mobilization of Langerha ns cells triggered by inflammatory signals into the draining lymph node cor related with an up-regulation of costimulatory molecules and with an enhanc ed immunostimulatory capacity. Surprisingly, however, these cells, instead of shutting down, maintain the capacity to capture and process protein Ags during the couple of days they stay alive in stark contrast to in vitro-mat ured dendritic cells.