Thy-1+ dendritic cells isolated from the epidermis of normal mice (dEC)3 bear the gamma delta TCR associated with the CD3 complex. We have analyzed the effects of antibodies directed against the TCR complex, Ly-6C, and Thy-1, as well as pharmacologic agents which have been shown to activate T cells without engagement of the TCR complex, on levels of intracellular free calcium, activation of protein kinase C, cytolysis, IL-2R expression, and secretion of lymphokines by dEC clones. We have found that the dEC cells express a fully functional TCR complex which can function to transmit signals upon perturbation leading to an increase in IL-2R expression, release of lymphokines, and cytolytic activity. These results indicate that the gamma delta TCR+ dEC are capable of responding to activation signals in the same manner as mature alpha beta TCR+ cells and suggests that they may play a functional role in the skin.