Langhansových

Langhans cells are a type of cell found in the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver, which play a crucial role in the immune system. They are named after the German pathologist Friedrich Langhans, who first described them in 1869. Langhans cells are characterized by their large size, abundant cytoplasm, and prominent nucleoli. They are typically found in the paracortex of lymph nodes and are involved in the immune response to certain types of infections, particularly those caused by mycobacteria, such as tuberculosis.

Langhans cells are part of the immune system's ability to fight off infections. They are particularly important in the immune response to mycobacterial infections because these bacteria can persist in the body for long periods and are difficult to eliminate. Langhans cells help to contain and destroy these bacteria by producing cytokines and other immune mediators that recruit and activate other immune cells.

The presence of Langhans cells in the lymph nodes is often associated with certain diseases, such as tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. In tuberculosis, Langhans cells are a hallmark of the immune response to the mycobacterial infection. In sarcoidosis, Langhans cells are found in the granulomas that form in various organs, including the lungs, lymph nodes, and skin. The role of Langhans cells in these diseases is not fully understood, but they are believed to play a role in the development and progression of the disease.

Langhans cells are also of interest in the field of immunology because they are a target for certain immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are a type of immunotherapy used to treat cancer. These drugs work by blocking the signals that immune cells use to communicate with each other, allowing the immune system to better recognize and attack cancer cells. Langhans cells are a potential target for these drugs because they are involved in the immune response to certain infections and may also play a role in the immune response to cancer.

In summary, Langhans cells are a type of immune cell that plays a crucial role in the immune response to certain infections, particularly those caused by mycobacteria. They are of interest in the field of immunology because they are a target for certain immunotherapies and are associated with certain diseases.