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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.
Abstract:
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an inflammatory condition of unknown cause that has been associated with concurrent candidal infection. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells express the T cell receptor TCRVα7.2 and are activated by riboflavin intermediates produced by microbes. The interaction between MAIT cells, Candida, and OLP is unknown. This study aimed to determine mucosal-associated T cell presence in OLP and whether the abundance of these cells changed due to the presence of either Candida or symptoms, using multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC). Ninety formalin fixed-paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples were assessed using mIHC for the cellular markers CD3, interleukin 18 receptor one (IL18R1), TCRVα7.2, CD161, CD8, and major histocompatibility complex class I-related (MR-1) protein. The samples were stratified into five groups on the basis of clinical (presence/absence of symptoms) and microbiological (presence/absence of Candida) criteria. Results demonstrated the presence of MAIT cell phenotypes in OLP inflammatory infiltrate within the connective tissue. Significant differences existed between different OLP groups with the percentage of log(CD3+ CD161+) and log(CD3+ TCRVα7.2+) positive cells (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005 respectively). Significant differences also existed with the relative abundance of triple-stained log(CD3+ CD161+ IL18R1+) cells (p = 0.004). A reduction in log(CD3+ CD161+ IL18R1+) cells was observed in lesional tissue of patients with symptomatic OLP with and without Candida when compared to controls. When present in OLP, MAIT cells were identified within the connective tissue. This study demonstrates that mIHC can be used to identify MAIT cell phenotypes in OLP. Reduced percentage of log(CD3+ CD161+ IL18R1+) cells seen in symptomatic OLP with and without Candida suggests a role for these cells in OLP pathogenesis.
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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