Epitope mapping of CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c antigens in human skin: differential localization on Langerhans cells, keratinocytes, and basement membrane zone.

CD1 antigens are classified into at least three groups, CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c. In order to delineate the localization of epitopes of CD1 antigens in human skin, we examined the immunoreactivity of fourteen different CD1 antibodies (seven CD1a, five CD1b, and two CD1c antibodies). The epitopes for CD1a, CD1b, and CD1c are differentially localized on epidermal Langerhans cells, dermal dendritic cells, keratinocytes, the luminal portion of eccrine gland ducts, and the basement membrane zone in normal human skin.