IA ANTIGENS ON INDETERMINATE CELLS OF THE EPIDERMIS - IMMUNOELECTRONMICROSCOPIC STUDIES OF SURFACE-ANTIGENS

An antiserum against human B‐lymphoblastoid cell membrane alloantigens (Ia‐like antigens) was used to study the presence of such antigens on dendritic cells in human epidermis. Only Langerhans cells and the majority (85%) of so‐called indeterminate cells were positively stained, as shown by ummuno‐electron microscopy. Fifteen percent of the indeterminate cells were negative and were considered to be immature melanocytes. A relationship exists between the indeterminate cell and the Langerhans cell. A proposal is made concerning emigration of Langerhans cells in response to haptenic stimulation, and the immigration of indeterminate cells to restore the status quo. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved