Langerhans cells are primarily located in the stratum spinosum layer of the epidermis, which is the second layer of the skin. They are a type of dendritic cell that play a crucial role in the immune response. These cells act as antigen-presenting cells, helping to detect foreign pathogens and alert the immune system.
In the stratum spinosum, Langerhans cells are strategically positioned to monitor the skin for any potential threats. They have long, spider-like processes that extend between keratinocytes, allowing them to sample the environment. When they encounter an antigen, they can ingest it and travel to nearby lymph nodes to present this information to T-cells, thus initiating an immune response.
This positioning within the epidermis is vital for skin immunity, helping to protect the body from infections while maintaining overall homeostasis.