Dendritic antigen-presenting cells of the distal section of the female reproductive tract in normal, experimental and in pathological conditions
Bykov, V.L.
Arkhiv Patologii 59(6): 69-74
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-1955 PMID: 9483225 Document Number: 477233
Female lower genital tract (the vulva, vagina and uterine cervix) contains a system of dendritic antigen-presenting cells (APCs) which are the main elements of the afferent limb of its local immune system. These cells are found both in mucosal epithelium and lamina propria and possess specific ultrastructural, cytochemical, immunocytochemical and functional properties. Most numerous and well-studied populations of APCs in female lower genital tract are Langerhans cells which are highly sensitive to hormones and noxious factors. This review summarizes recent data on distribution, morphological and functional characteristics of dendritic APCs in female lower genital tract under normal and experimental conditions and in some pathological states (viral infections, preneoplastic and neoplastic processes).