Epigenetic Regulation of Skin Langerhans Cells and Dendritic Epidermal T cells

Langerhans cells (LCs) and dendritic epidermal T cells (DETCs) are the two major immune cell populations within the mouse skin epidermis, playing crucial role in skin immunity and disease pathogenesis. Previous lineage tracing studies have disclosed that both LC and DETC derive from embryonic precursors and self-maintaining postnatally. However, comprehensive insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing their ontogeny, homeostasis and function remain elusive. Our laboratory has been focusing on exploring the roles of epigenetic factors, with a specific emphasis on miRNAs and chromatin modulators, including histone lysine demethylase 4 (Kdm4) in the intricate regulation of LCs and DETCs.

​

Selected Publications

1. Yao Y, Liu Q, Martin C,  et al. Embryonic Fate Mapping Uncovers the Critical Role of microRNAs in the Development of Epidermal gd T Cells. J Invest Dermatol. 2018 Jan;138(1):236-239. PMID: 28870694

2. Yao Y, Martin C, Yin C. et al. Micro RNAs are required for Langerhans cell, skin- and lung-resident macrophage ontogeny. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2018 Sep;142(3):976-978. PMID: 2975100 

​

3. Li D, Peng H, Qu L, et al. miR-19a/b and miR-20a Promote Wound Healing by Regulating the Inflammatory Response of Keratinocytes. J Invest Dermatol. 2021 Mar;141(3):659-671. PMID: 32949564