[T cell receptor BV gene preferential usage in oral lichen planus]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oral Pathology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting oral mucosa.
• T cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of OLP.
• Understanding T cell receptor (TCR) characteristics is vital for elucidating OLP etiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the T cell receptor (TCR) structural features of T cells infiltrating oral lichen planus (OLP) lesions.
• To identify specific T cell populations involved in the inflammatory process of OLP.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative analysis of T cell receptor beta variable (BV) gene distribution in OLP lesional tissues and peripheral blood.
• Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed for gene analysis.
• Statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney U test.

Main Results:

• A significantly higher usage of BV4, BV14, and BV18 genes was observed in the lesional tissues of OLP patients compared to their peripheral blood.
• This preferential usage suggests a targeted infiltration of specific T cell subsets into OLP lesions.

Conclusions:

• Infiltrating T cells in Chinese OLP patients exhibit a preference for BV4, BV14, and BV18 genes.
• These findings indicate that T cells expressing BV4, BV14, and BV18 play a significant role in the development and progression of OLP.
• Further research into these specific T cell populations may offer therapeutic targets for OLP.