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Differential expression of adhesion molecules on infiltrating cells in inflammatory dermatoses
W H Boehncke1, I Kellner, U Konter
1Department of Dermatology, University of Ulm, Germany.
Background:
Adhesion molecules and their ligands are involved in coordination of the activities of the immune system.
Objective:
To evaluate whether adhesion molecules are relevant in the pathogenesis of inflammatory dermatoses, we analyzed the expression pattern of many of these molecules.
Methods:
The expression of 10 members of the integrin and immunoglobulin superfamilies was mapped by means of immunohistochemical techniques in biopsy specimens of psoriasis (n = 15), pityriasis lichenoides (n = 11), parapsoriasis en plaques (n = 11), contact dermatitis (n = 7), and lichen planus (n = 5).
Results:
In all investigated skin diseases, almost every infiltrating cell expressed lymphocyte function-associated antigens 1 and 3 as well as very late activation (VLA) antigens 4 and 5. The subepidermal infiltrate differed with regard to the expression of VLA-1, VLA-3, and VLA-6, which was high in lichen planus and moderate or absent in the other dermatoses. The intraepidermal lymphocytes in psoriasis and pityriasis lichenoides were VLA-1 positive, whereas the subepidermal infiltrate lacked this marker.
Conclusion:
The differential upregulation of adhesion molecules in the mononuclear infiltrate and on keratinocytes demonstrates their importance in the pathogenesis of cutaneous inflammation.