Langhans giant cell
Langhans giant cells are large cells found in granulomatous conditions.
They are formed by the fusion of epithelioid cells, and contain nuclei arranged in a horseshoe-shaped pattern in the cell periphery.
Although traditionally their presence was associated with tuberculosis, they are not specific for tuberculosis or even for mycobacterial disease. In fact, they are found in nearly every form of granulomatous disease, regardless of etiology.Terminology
Langhans giant cells are named after Theodor Langhans, a German pathologist.
They should not be confused with Langerhans cells, which are mononuclear epidermal dendritic cells derived from monocytes and named after Paul Langerhans.Causes
In 2012, a research paper showed that when activated CD4+ T cells and monocytes are in close contact, interaction of CD40-CD40L between these two cells and subsequent IFNγ secretion by the T cells causes upregulation and secretion of fusion-related molecule DC-STAMP by the monocytes, which results in LGC formation.Langhans giant cells are often found in transbronchial lung biopsies or lymph node biopsies in patients suffering from sarcoidosis.
