Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a viral product recognized by Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), and it is a potent activator of dendritic cells (DC). We compared Langerhans cells (LC) and splenic CD11c(+) DC and investigated the responsiveness to dsRNA. We prepared highly purified LC (>95%) using the panning method. TLR3 mRNA was expressed in LC, splenic DC, and keratinocytes (KC). The expression of IFN-beta mRNA was enhanced in LC and splenic DC by Poly(I:C) stimulation. However, cytokine/chemokine production in response to Poly(I:C) by LC was much lower than that by splenic DC. In addition, Poly(I:C) induced further maturation in splenic DC, but not in LC. Finally, we found that the mouse KC cell line, PAM212, produced a great amount of IL-1alpha by Poly(I:C) stimulation, and that IL-1alpha promoted the maturation of LC. These data altogether indicate that LC exhibit low responsiveness to dsRNA. It is possible that KC may primarily trigger anti-viral immune responses in the skin via cytokine production such as IL-1alpha. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.