Cbfβ2 deficiency preserves Langerhans cell precursors by lack of selective TGFβ receptor signaling

The mouse Langerhans cell (LC) network is established through the differentiation of embryonic LC precursors. BMP7 and TGF beta 1 initiate cellular signaling that is essential for inducing LC differentiation and preserving LCs in a quiescent state, respectively. Here we show that loss of Cbf beta 2, one of two RNA splice variants of the Cbfb gene, results in long-term persistence of embryonic LC precursors after their developmental arrest at the transition into the EpCAM(+) stage. This phenotype is caused by selective loss of BMP7-mediated signaling essential for LC differentiation, whereas TGF beta R signaling is intact, maintaining cells in a quiescent state. Transgenic Cbf beta 2 expression at the neonatal stage, but not at the adult stage, restored differentiation from Cbf beta 2-deficient LC precursors. Loss of developmental potential in skin-residential precursor cells was accompanied by diminished BMP7-BMPR1A signaling. Collectively, our results reveal an essential requirement for the Cbf beta 2 variant in LC differentiation and provide novel insight into how the establishment and homeostasis of the LC network is regulated.