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T cell subsets and Langerhans cells in lichen planus: in situ characterization using monoclonal antibodies
Skin biopsies from four patients with lichen planus were studied using monoclonal antibodies directed against T lymphocytes. Anti-TI and anti-T3 antibodies, which react with all peripheral T cells, stained most cells in the dermal infiltrates. The majority of infiltrating cells also stained with anti-T4 and anti-T4b antibodies, which react with helper/inducer cells, whereas a minority of cells stained with anti-T8 antibody, which reacts with cytotoxic/suppressor cells. Surface IgM was not identified on any infiltrating cells, providing evidence against B cell participation. Intraepidermal and dermal cells with long cytoplasmic extensions stained with any anti-T6 antibody in all cases, defining them as Langerhans cells or their precursors. T6-positive cells were seen in greater number than in normal control epidermis and dermis. The results indicate that well-developed lesions of lichen planus are characterized by an influx of helper/inducer T lymphocytes and increased numbers of Langerhans cells. These observations support the contention that cellular immunity is important in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Skin biopsies from four patients with lichen planus were studied using monoclonal antibodies directed against T lymphocytes. Anti-TI and anti-T3 antibodies, which react with all peripheral T cells, stained most cells in the dermal infiltrates. The majority of infiltrating cells also stained with anti-T4 and anti-T4b antibodies, which react with helper/inducer cells, whereas a minority of cells stained with anti-T8 antibody, which reacts with cytotoxic/suppressor cells. Surface IgM was not identified on any infiltrating cells, providing evidence against B cell participation. Intraepidermal and dermal cells with long cytoplasmic extensions stained with any anti-T6 antibody in all cases, defining them as Langerhans cells or their precursors. T6-positive cells were seen in greater number than in normal control epidermis and dermis. The results indicate that well-developed lesions of lichen planus are characterized by an influx of helper/inducer T lymphocytes and increased numbers of Langerhans cells. These observations support the contention that cellular immunity is important in the pathogenesis of this disorder.