Langhans giant cell

The Langerhans cell or Langhans giant cell is one of the reticuloendothelial system (RES ) developed or derived from a Epitheloidzelle cell that is attributable to the body's defense against infection.

The function of the giant cells (which should not be confused with the phagocytic Langerhans cells) from the Langhans type is largely unknown. They are detectable in granulomatous diseases of various causes, such as infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy or schistosomiasis and chronic inflammation such as Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and sarcoidosis.

It has a diameter of up to 0.3 mm, is dedicated only to a small extent phagocytic active and on the secretion of lysosomal enzymes. Characteristic is the horseshoe-shaped arrangement of the various nuclei.

Named is the Langhans giant cell of the Director of the Pathological Institute of the University of Bern, Theodor Langhans (1839-1915), who coined the term "giant cell" coined in 1868 for her.

• Immunology
• Cell type