Which part of the skin helps in immune response?

Langerhans cells play a crucial role in the immune response of the skin. These specialized dendritic cells are located in the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of the skin. Their primary function is to act as antigen-presenting cells. When pathogens such as bacteria or viruses penetrate the skin, Langerhans cells can capture and process these antigens, which they then present to T cells in the lymph nodes. This process is essential for initiating an adaptive immune response, helping the body to identify and combat infections effectively.

In contrast, melanocytes are primarily involved in producing melanin, which gives skin its color and protects against UV radiation. Merkel cells are mechanoreceptors that provide sensory information about touch, while fibroblasts are cells that produce collagen and are important for the structural integrity of connective tissue. These roles, while vital to skin function, do not directly relate to the immune response like that of Langerhans cells.