Depletion of langerin(+) cells enhances cutaneous wound healing

摘要

Langerin is a C-type lectin receptor that is expressed on Langerhans cells and langerin-positive dermal dendritic cells in the skin. Little is known about the function of langerin(+) cells in wound healing. In this study, the effects of ablation of langerin(+) cells on healing of a full-thickness excision wound were investigated using the langerin-DTR depletable mouse. Strikingly, depletion of langerin(+) cells resulted in more rapid reduction in wound area. Accelerated wound healing in the langerin(+)-cell-depleted group was characterized by enhanced neo-epidermis and granulation tissue formation, and increased cellular proliferation within the newly formed tissues. Accelerated healing in the absence of langerin(+) cells was associated with increased levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, F4/80(+) cells and blood vessels within the granulation tissue. These data support an inhibitory role for langerin(+) cells during wound healing. Therapies that suppress langerin(+) cells or their function may therefore have utility in progressing the healing of wounds in humans.