Structure and role of Langerhans' cells in the human oesophageal epithelium.

Oesophageal Langerhans' cells (LC) are bone marrow-derived dendritic cells situated suprabasally in most stratified squamous epithelia, such as the epidermis and the epithelium of oesophageal mucosa. LC function as antigen-presenting cells. Associated with relatively numerous intra-epithelial lymphocytes present in the normal state in oesophageal mucosa, they play a major role in the immunologic defense system of the oesophagus. Structure and role of LC are summarized in this review. Moreover, the implications of LC in different pathologic oesophageal reactions are discussed.