Langerhans cells (LCs) are immature dendritic cell (DC) subsets that perform two key surveillance tasks (antigen sampling and detection of danger signals) at the environmental interface. Our objective is to define behavioral mechanisms by which LCs achieve these tasks in their natural habitat (i.e., skin). For this purpose, we have developed novel imaging systems to acquire 4D images of LCs in living mice. In standard models of LC maturation, LCs exhibited dSEARCH motion (characterized by extension and retraction of dendrites), amoeba-like lateral migration, vertical migration, and LC-LC contact formation.
Our aims are: J_) To define steady-state LC behaviors. LCs will be visualized in the l-Ap-EGFP knock-in mice (in which EGFP fluorescent signals are expressed by all DC subsets) and in the langerin-EGFP knock-in mice (in which only LCs express EGFP). We will record 3D images of EGFP* LCs every 2 min for 4 h by """"""""time-lapse"""""""" multi- photon laser scanning microscopy in anesthetized mice to measure spaciotemporal kinetics of individual motile activities of EGFP+ LCs. We will study steady-state LC turnover by acquiring images of EGFP+ LCs in the same microscopic fields at different time points (""""""""intermittent"""""""" imaging). By comparing the cellular movement recorded in the l-Ap-EGFP knock-in versus langerin-EGFP knock-in mice, we will assess the behaviors of other DC subsets in the skin. 2) To identify LC behavioral responses to pathological stimuli. We will study the turnover and motile activities of EGFP+ LCs fluorescent protein (dsRed). The EGFP knock-in mice will be cross-bred with: a) IL-1p promoter-driven dsRed-transgenic mice to study LC maturation (red signals) and LC motility (green signals) independently, and b) K14 promoter-driven dsRed-transgenic mice to study dynamic interactions of LCs (green) with neighboring keratinocytes (red). Our study should provide important insights into the behavioral biology of LCs and the pathophysiology of skin disease in which LCs play pathogenic or protective roles.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AR053355-05
Application #
7665028
Study Section
Arthritis, Connective Tissue and Skin Study Section (ACTS)
Program Officer
Cibotti, Ricardo
Project Start
2006-09-15
Project End
2011-07-31
Budget Start
2009-08-01
Budget End
2010-07-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$310,463
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Toledo
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
807418939
City
Toledo
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
43614
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