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Immunophenotyping of chimeric cells in localized scleroderma
K T McNallan1, C Aponte, R el-Azhary
1Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
|November 7, 2006
Summary
Chimeric cells, including dendritic cells and B lymphocytes, are present in localized scleroderma skin lesions. This finding suggests their involvement in the pathogenesis of this autoimmune skin condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Localized scleroderma is characterized by excessive collagen deposition and skin thickening.
- It shares similarities with chronic graft-versus-host disease, hinting at potential cellular involvement.
- The role of chimerism in localized scleroderma pathogenesis remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of chimeric cells in localized scleroderma lesions.
- To immunophenotype these chimeric cells to understand their function.
- To elucidate the role of chimerism in the autoimmune mechanisms of localized scleroderma.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of skin biopsies from 18 localized scleroderma patients.
- Utilized male-female (X, Y) differences to detect chimeric cells.
- Performed immunophenotyping using cell surface markers (CD4, CD8, CD19/20, CD68, S100, CD14, CD56).
Main Results:
- Affected skin showed a higher number of lymphocytic inflammatory cells.
- Chimeric cells identified in affected tissue included CD68+ (38%), Langerin/S100+ (29%), CD8+ (26%), CD19/20+ (20%), and CD4+ (14%).
- No CD56+ chimeric cells were detected.
Conclusions:
- Chimeric cells are present in localized scleroderma lesions.
- These cells are predominantly dendritic cells and B lymphocytes.
- This suggests a significant role for chimeric cells in the pathogenesis of localized scleroderma.
