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The activation of Langerhans cells in oral lichen planus

P M Farthing1, P Matear, A T Cruchley

  • 1Department of Oral Pathology, London Hospital Medical College, UK.

Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine : Official Publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology
|February 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Oral lichen planus shows increased immune activity in Langerhans cells (CD1 positive cells), indicated by higher expression of Class II major histocompatibility antigens. This suggests their role in lesion development.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oral Pathology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Langerhans cells (CD1 positive cells) are intraepithelial dendritic cells crucial for immune responses in the oral mucosa.
  • Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an inflammatory condition with potential immune system involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the expression of CD1, HLA-DR, HLA-DP, and HLA-DQ on intraepithelial dendritic cells in OLP lesions versus normal oral mucosa.
  • To investigate the immunological activity of Langerhans cells in OLP.

Main Methods:

  • Immunoalkaline phosphatase technique was used to identify and quantify CD1, HLA-DR, HLA-DP, and HLA-DQ positive cells.
  • Cell counts were compared between OLP lesions and normal oral mucosa samples.

Main Results:

  • In normal mucosa, CD1 and HLA-DR positive cells were abundant, with fewer HLA-DP and HLA-DQ positive cells.
  • In OLP lesions, cells appeared more dendritic, with significantly increased numbers of HLA-DP and HLA-DQ positive cells compared to normal mucosa.
  • The total number of CD1 positive (Langerhans) cells and HLA-DR positive cells remained unchanged in OLP.

Conclusions:

  • While the total number of Langerhans cells does not change in OLP, their expression of Class II major histocompatibility antigens (HLA-DP, HLA-DQ) is upregulated.
  • This increased antigen expression suggests that Langerhans cells are immunologically active in OLP and likely contribute to the pathogenesis of the lesions.

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