Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Lymphocyte Isolation from Human Skin for Phenotypic Analysis and Ex Vivo Cell Culture
Published on: April 8, 2016
Expression of helper T cell master regulators in inflammatory dermatoses and primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas:
Andy C Hsi1, Sena J Lee2, Ilana S Rosman3
1Washington University Dermatopathology Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
Background:
Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a neoplasm of skin-homing CD4(+) helper T (TH) lymphocytes with dysregulation of TH1 and TH2 immunity. Diagnosis of MF is challenging, as there is significant morphologic overlap with other dermatologic entities.
Objective:
We investigated diagnostic utility of TH1- and TH2-specific markers, T-bet, and GATA-3, respectively, in MF and its reactive and neoplastic mimics.
Methods:
Immunohistochemical staining for CD3/T-bet and CD3/GATA-3 was performed on inflammatory dermatoses (n = 56), MF (n = 37), Sezary syndrome (SS; n = 8), and cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (C-ALCL; n = 14).
Results:
Inflammatory dermatoses showed epidermal T cells predominantly expressing GATA-3, except psoriasis, which exhibited a mixed GATA-3/T-bet staining. In contrast, neoplastic T cells in patch stage MF showed markedly increased T-bet positivity with minimal GATA-3 expression. Plaque stage MF had a mixed T-bet/GATA-3 phenotype, whereas tumor stage MF and SS exhibited diffuse GATA-3 expression. C-ALCL lacked significant staining for both markers.
Limitations:
Sample size was relatively small.
Conclusions:
A predominance of T-bet(+) T cells in the epidermis support patch stage MF over dermatitis. A predominance of GATA-3(+) T cells in the dermis support CD30(+) MF with large cell transformation over C-ALCL. These stains do not allow distinction between dermatitis and cutaneous infiltrates of SS.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Master Transcription Regulators
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...

