Abstract

CD39, the endothelial ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase), regulates vascular inflammation and thrombosis by hydrolyzing ATP and ADP. Although ecto-NTPDase activities have been used as a marker of epidermal dendritic cells (DCs) known as Langerhans cells, the identity and function of these activities remain unknown. Here we report that Langerhans cells in CD39^-/- mice express no detectable ecto-NTPDase activity. Irritant chemicals triggered rapid ATP and ADP release from keratinocytes and caused exacerbated skin inflammation in CD39^-/- mice. Paradoxically, T cell–mediated allergic contact hypersensitivity was severely attenuated in CD39^-/- mice. As to mechanisms, T cells increased pericellular ATP concentrations upon activation, and CD39^-/- DCs showed ATP unresponsiveness (secondary to P2-receptor desensitization) and impaired antigen-presenting capacity. Our results show opposing outcomes of CD39 deficiency in irritant versus allergic contact dermatitis, reflecting its diverse roles in regulating extracellular nucleotide-mediated signaling in inflammatory responses to environmental insults and DC–T cell communication in antigen presentation.