Abstract: Although epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) account for only 2%~4% of epidermal cells,they play an important role in the immune system.In order to investigate the phenotype,functional feature,and molecular biology of LC,it is necessary to obtain the LCs with high purity and activity.A combination of continuous and interval Percoll density gradient centrifugation technique was used to isolate and purify epidermal LC from guinea-pig.The results showed that the LC purity rate was more than 60%,yield rate more than 80%,and cell activity more than 90%.Auto-mixed leucocyte response assay showed that the functional activity of LC remained.It is the author's opinion that this method is not only simple,quick,and cheap,but can obtain LC with no surface marker.

Key words: Langerhans cells, Percoll density gradient centrifugation