Studies on human epidermal Langerhans cells III. Induction of T lymphocyte response to nickel sulphate in sensitized individuals.

Human epidermis from nickel sensitive patients was separated from dermis by means of a suction blister device and dissociated with trypsin. The epidermal cell suspensions obtained contained 3--5% Langerhans cells as judged by immunofluorescence staining of the cells with a rabbit anti-DR antiserum. The epidermal cells were co-cultured with purified autologous T lymphocytes with or without nickel sulphate. A strong proliferative T lymphocyte response to nickel sulphate was obtained provided epidermal cells were also present. Pretreatment of the epidermal cells with anti-DR antiserum abolished or greatly reduced the response. These data indicate that epidermal cells are able to present nickel sulphate to T lymphocytes in an immunogenic way. Since the responsible cells were DR antigen positive, it is highly probable that the cells responsible for these functions are the Langerhans cells.