The Melanocyte and the Epidermal Melanin Unit: An Expanded Concept

There are many mechanisms by which melanocytes, keratinocytes, and Langerhans cells interact within the epidermis. Inflammatory mediators affect melanocyte function and melanogenic agents such as α-MSH alter the functions of keratinocytes and Langerhans cells. The epidermal melanin unit is better labeled the KLM unit.