The keratinocyte is the major constituent of the epidermis, constituting 95% of the cells found there.^[1] Those keratinocytes found in the stratum basale are sometimes referred to as "basal cells" or "basal keratinocytes."^[2]

Melanosomes are transferred to it by dendritic processes(Cytocrine melanin).

Keratinocytes form tight junctions with the nerves of the skin and hold the Langerhans cells and intra-dermal lymphocytes in position within the epidermis. Keratinocytes are essential immunomodulaters, maintaining the intergrity of the immune response by secreting inhibitory cytokines such as IL-4 and TGFβ when dormant, but when provoked, the keratinocytes will stimulate cutaneous inflammation and Langerhans cell activation via THFα and IL-1β secretion.

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