Langhans cell

Langhans cell is a type of cell found in the immune system, specifically in the granuloma formation. Named after the German pathologist Theodor Langhans, these cells are a characteristic feature of tuberculosis and other granulomatous diseases.

Structure and Function

Langhans cells are a type of macrophage, a white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, and cancer cells in a process called phagocytosis. They are characterized by their horseshoe-shaped nuclei, which distinguishes them from other types of macrophages.

In the context of tuberculosis, Langhans cells form a part of the granuloma, a collection of immune cells that forms around the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria to prevent it from spreading. The granuloma is a key part of the body's immune response to tuberculosis, and the presence of Langhans cells is a hallmark of this response.

Clinical Significance

The presence of Langhans cells in a biopsy can be a diagnostic indicator of tuberculosis or other granulomatous diseases. However, they are not exclusive to these conditions and can also be found in other diseases such as sarcoidosis, Crohn's disease, and leprosy.

In tuberculosis, the formation of granulomas containing Langhans cells is a double-edged sword. While it helps to contain the bacteria and prevent it from spreading, it also provides a protective environment for the bacteria, allowing it to survive and persist in the body.

See Also

• Tuberculosis
• Granuloma
• Macrophage
• Phagocytosis