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Langerhans cells are a specialized type of dendritic cell located primarily in the skin. They play a crucial role in the immune system by acting as antigen-presenting cells. When Langerhans cells encounter pathogens or foreign substances, they capture and process these antigens. After this interaction, they migrate to local lymph nodes where they interact with naive T-cells, effectively activating and instructing them on how to respond to the specific threat. This process is vital for initiating the adaptive immune response, ensuring that white blood cells, particularly T-cells, can effectively target and eliminate pathogens.
In contrast, melanocytes, which produce melanin, are primarily involved in pigmentation and do not play a direct role in immune responses. Dermal fibroblasts are essential for the structural integrity of connective tissue and may contribute to wound healing but are not directly involved in interacting with white blood cells. Merkel cells are involved in sensory perception and the sensation of touch, and while they are important for skin function, they do not directly interact with white blood cells during an immune response.