T-cell subsets and Langerhans cells in wart lesions

The presence of T-lymphocytes and Langerhans cells was assessed on tissue sections of 28 human warts from various localizations and in normal epidermis by indirect immunofluorescence using specific monoclonal antibodies. In most cases, the density of Langerhans cells was dramatically reduced in wart epidermis as compared to normal epidermis and a mild cellular infiltrate could be noted. In some lesions, OKT4 and OKT8 cell populations were present and the number of Langerhans cells was high both in dermis and epidermis. These data are compatible with the role of Langerhans cells and the existence of a local cellular immune reaction in human papilloma virus-infected tissues. No correlation could yet be established with the virus type on the skin localization.