Evaluation of IL-31 and IL-31RA Expression in Lichen Planopilaris: A Retrospective Immunohistochemistry Study

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune cicatricial alopecia leading to irreversible follicular destruction. Interleukin-31 (IL-31) and its receptor complex (IL-31RA/OSMRβ) are implicated in neurogenic inflammation and pruritus in inflammatory dermatoses, including lichen planus. This study aimed to evaluate IL-31/IL-31RA expression in LPP and to investigate their associations with disease extent and pruritus.

Thirty patients with classical-type LPP and 30 age- and sex-matched controls were retrospectively analyzed. Disease extent and pruritus severity were assessed using the scalp involvement score (SALT) and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Immunohistochemical staining was performed on scalp biopsy specimens. Quantitative analysis was conducted using the Sectra UniView digital pathology system and ImageJ/Fiji software.

IL-31/IL-31RA expression levels were increased in both epidermal and dermal compartments of LPP lesions compared with controls (p < 0.0001). Strong positive correlations were observed between epidermal and dermal IL-31/IL-31RA expression levels (p < 0.001). No significant associations were detected between IL-31/IL-31RA expression and SALT or NRS scores, whereas dermal IL-31RA levels were higher in patients with perifollicular scaling (p = 0.039).

These findings suggest that increased IL-31 and IL-31RA expression in LPP is associated with neuroimmune signaling pathways involved in disease pathophysiology. Rather than indicating a disease-defining or diagnostic mechanism, IL-31/IL-31RA expression may represent an adjunctive immunologic feature within the broader inflammatory milieu of LPP and warrants further investigation in therapeutic and comparative studies.