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  • E-Cadherin is Dispensable t...
    Brand, Anna; Diener, Nathalie; Zahner, Sonja P.; Tripp, Christoph; Backer, Ronald A.; Karram, Khalad; Jiang, Aimin; Mellman, Ira; Stoitzner, Patrizia; Clausen, Björn E.

    Journal of investigative dermatology, January 2020, 2020-Jan, 2020-01-00, 20200101, Letnik: 140, Številka: 1
    Journal Article

    The cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin is a major component of adherens junctions and marks Langerhans cells (LC), the only dendritic cell (DC) population of the epidermis. LC form a dense network and attach themselves to the surrounding keratinocytes via homophilic E-cadherin binding. LC activation, mobilization, and migration require a reduction in LC E-cadherin expression. To determine whether E-cadherin plays a role in regulating LC homeostasis and function, we generated CD11c-specific E-cadherin knockout mice (CD11c-Ecaddel). In the absence of E-cadherin−mediated cell adhesion, LC numbers remained stable and similar as in control mice, even in aged animals. Intriguingly, E-cadherin−deficient LC displayed a dramatically changed morphology characterized by a more rounded cell body and fewer dendrites than wild-type cells. Nevertheless, maturation and migration of LC lacking E-cadherin was not altered, neither under steady-state nor inflammatory conditions. Accordingly, CD11c-Ecaddel and control mice developed comparable contact hypersensitivity reactions and imiquimod-triggered psoriatic skin inflammation, indicating that E-cadherin on LC does not influence their ability to orchestrate T cell-mediated immunity. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that E-cadherin is dispensable to maintain LC in the epidermis and does not regulate LC maturation, migration, and function.