Characterization of Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in Oral Lichen Planus

Lara Marie DeAngelis1, Nicola Cirillo1, Alexis Perez-Gonzalez1,2

  • 1Melbourne Dental School, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.

Insights

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells were found in oral lichen planus (OLP) tissue. Symptomatic OLP, with or without Candida, showed reduced MAIT cells, suggesting their role in OLP development.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oral Pathology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an inflammatory condition of unknown etiology.
  • Concurrent candidal infection is often associated with OLP.
  • Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, activated by microbial riboflavin, have an unknown role in OLP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and abundance of MAIT cells in oral lichen planus (OLP) tissues.
  • To determine if MAIT cell presence correlates with Candida infection or symptomatic OLP.
  • To explore the potential role of MAIT cells in OLP pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) was used to analyze 90 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded OLP tissue samples.
  • Cellular markers including CD3, IL18R1, TCRVα7.2, CD161, CD8, and MR-1 were assessed.
  • Samples were stratified into five groups based on clinical symptoms and Candida presence.

Main Results:

  • MAIT cell phenotypes (CD3+ CD161+, CD3+ TCRVα7.2+) were identified in the inflammatory infiltrate of OLP connective tissue.
  • Significant differences in MAIT cell percentages were observed between OLP groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005).
  • A significant reduction in triple-stained log(CD3+ CD161+ IL18R1+) cells was noted in symptomatic OLP, regardless of Candida presence, compared to controls (p = 0.004).

Conclusions:

  • Multiplex immunohistochemistry is effective for identifying MAIT cell phenotypes in OLP.
  • Reduced percentages of specific MAIT cell subsets (CD3+ CD161+ IL18R1+) in symptomatic OLP suggest their involvement in the disease.
  • These findings indicate a potential role for MAIT cells in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus.

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