Prostaglandin E2-EP4 signaling initiates skin immune responses by promoting migration and maturation of Langerhans cells

Nat Med. 2003 Jun;9(6):744-9. doi: 10.1038/nm872. Epub 2003 May 12.

Abstract

Antigen-specific immune responses in the skin are initiated by antigen uptake into Langerhans cells and the subsequent migration of these cells to draining lymph nodes. Although prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is produced substantially in skin exposed to antigen, its role remains unclear. Here we show that although Langerhans cells express all four PGE receptor subtypes, their migration to regional lymph nodes was decreased only in EP4-deficient (Ptger4-/-) mice and in wild-type mice treated with an EP4 antagonist. An EP4 agonist promoted the migration of Langerhans cells, increased their expression of costimulatory molecules and enhanced their ability to stimulate T cells in the mixed lymphocyte reaction in vitro. Contact hypersensitivity to antigen was impaired in Ptger4-/- mice and in wild-type mice treated with the EP4 antagonist during sensitization. PGE2-EP4 signaling thus facilitates initiation of skin immune responses by promoting the migration and maturation of Langerhans cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dinoprostone / metabolism*
  • Ear / anatomy & histology
  • Female
  • Genes, MHC Class II
  • Langerhans Cells / cytology
  • Langerhans Cells / physiology*
  • Lymph Nodes / cytology
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology
  • Lymph Nodes / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E / agonists
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E / genetics
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP4 Subtype
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Skin / cytology
  • Skin / immunology*
  • Skin / metabolism

Substances

  • Protein Isoforms
  • Ptger4 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP4 Subtype
  • Dinoprostone