Langerhans' cells in human cervical epithelium: an immunohistological study.

Langerhans' cells are intraepithelial dendritic cells believed to be important in the recognition and processing of exogenous antigens. They were demonstrated by immunohistological methods in cervical tissue obtained from 10 subjects ranging in age from 30 weeks gestational age to 62 years. Langerhans' cells were clearly delineated in all tissue sections and appear to form a relatively constant component of both the transformation zone and ectocervical epithelium. In addition to Langerhans' cells, a population of T lymphocytes characterized as predominantly T-cytotoxic/suppressor cells have also been demonstrated. The interaction between Langerhans' cells, T lymphocytes and stromal macrophages and their relation to antigen recognition is discussed.