CD39 is the dominant Langerhans cell associated ecto-NTPDase:: Modulatory roles in inflammation and immune responsiveness

CD39, the endothelial ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase ( NTPDase), regulates vascular inflammation and thrombosis by hydrolyzing ATP and ADP. Although ecto-NTPDase activities have been used as a marker of epidermal dendritic cells ( DCs) known as Langerhans cells, the identity and function of these activities remain unknown. Here we report that Langerhans cells in CD39(-/-) mice express no detectable ecto-NTPDase activity. Irritant chemicals triggered rapid ATP and ADP release from keratinocytes and caused exacerbated skin inflammation in CD39(-/-) mice. Paradoxically, T cell mediated allergic contact hypersensitivity was severely attenuated in CD39(-/-) mice. As to mechanisms, T cells increased pericellular ATP concentrations upon activation, and CD39(-/-) DCs showed ATP unresponsiveness ( secondary to P2-receptor desensitization) and impaired antigen-presenting capacity. Our results show opposing outcomes of CD39 deficiency in irritant versus allergic contact dermatitis, reflecting its diverse roles in regulating extracellular nucleotide-mediated signaling in inflammatory responses to environmental insults and DC T cell communication in antigen presentation.