Birbeck granule

Birbeck granules are found in Langerhans cells.

Another theory is that the Birbeck granule functions in receptor-mediated endocytosis, similar to clathrin-coated pits.

They also express S-100, and their nucleus contains tennis-racket like ultra-structural inclusions called Birbeck granules.

Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for Birbeck granules.

Presence of Birbeck granules on electron microscopy and immuno-cytochemical features e. g. CD1 positivity are more specific.

Birbeck granules, also known as Birbeck bodies, are rod shaped or "tennis-racket" cytoplasmic organelles with a central linear density and a striated appearance.

Langerhans cells are dendritic cells (antigen-presenting immune cells) of the skin and mucosa, and contain large granules called Birbeck granules.

Langerin is localized in the Birbeck granules, organelles present in the cytoplasm of Langerhans cells and consisting of superimposed and zippered membranes.

Langerin on mucosal Langerhans cells of the human genital epithelium binds to HIV-1 and subsequently internalizes it into Birbeck granules to be degraded.

Unlike LCH, ECD does not stain positive for S-100 proteins or Group 1 CD1a glycoproteins, and electron microscopy of cell cytoplasm does not disclose Birbeck granules.

It is a C-type lectin with mannose binding specificity, and it has been proposed that mannose binding by this protein leads to internalization of antigen into Birbeck granules and providing access to a nonclassical antigen-processing pathway.

Birbeck granules were discovered by Michael Stanley Clive Birbeck (1925-2005), a British scientist and electron microscopist who worked at the Chester Beatty Cancer Research Institute or Institute of Cancer Research, London from 1950 until 1981.