New experimental models and methods have rendered the field of Langerhans cells very
lively. An interesting and productive scientific debate as to the functions of Langerhans cells
in vivo is currently going on. We have not yet reached the point where the “pros” would
weigh out the “cons”, or vice versa. There is good evidence for a lack of Langerhans cell
function and for down-regulatory Langerhans cell function in some models. On the other
hand, there is also evidence for an active immunogenic and tolerogenic role of Langerhans …