An immunohistochemical study of Langerhans cells, T-cells and the HLA antigen in human cornea.

The distribution of Langerhans cells (LC), T-cell subsets and HLA antigen in 12 normal and 7 morbid corneas, including 4 of suppurative corneal ulcer and 3 of uveogenic endophthalmitis, was investigated with monoclonal antibodies. The results revealed that a small amount of LC and T-cell subsets were present in the limbal region of normal corneas, while large numbers of LC and OKT4+ were observed in the corneas of suppurative ulcer. HLA-A, B, C antigens were expressed on the epithelial cells and keratocytes of the normal corneas, while the HLA-DR antigens were expressed on the surface of LC at the limbus.