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Expression of CD1a and CD86 on scleroderma Langerhans cells
Yong Xie1, Xiaoyong Zhang, Yuji Inoue
1Department of Dermatology & Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.
Insights
Langerhans cells increase in scleroderma skin, particularly in localized forms. CD86 expression on dermal Langerhans cells may drive localized scleroderma pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting skin connective tissue.
- Langerhans cells are key immune cells in the skin.
- Their role in scleroderma pathogenesis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Langerhans cell characteristics and their relationship with lymphocytes in scleroderma.
- To compare these findings between systemic scleroderma (SSc) and localized scleroderma.
- To explore the role of CD86 expression in scleroderma.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze skin biopsy samples.
- Antibodies against CD1a and CD86 were employed.
- Quantification of stained cells in dermal and epidermal infiltrates was performed.
Main Results:
- Both systemic scleroderma (SSc) and localized scleroderma showed increased CD1a+ dermal Langerhans cells compared to normal skin.
- Localized scleroderma had significantly higher CD1a+ cells than SSc in both dermis and epidermis.
- CD86 expression was elevated in localized scleroderma dermis compared to SSc and normal skin.
Conclusions:
- Langerhans cells are implicated in scleroderma pathogenesis, especially localized scleroderma.
- CD86, predominantly on dermal Langerhans cells in localized scleroderma, may be a key factor.
- Further research into Langerhans cells could reveal new therapeutic targets for scleroderma.
Abstract:
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disorder of unknown etiology that affects the microvasculature and loose connective tissue. Langerhans cells play an important role in the immune system of the skin. By immunohistochemistry we investigated the phenotypical characteristics of epidermal and dermal Langerhans cells and their spatial relationship with infiltrating lymphocytes in systemic scleroderma (SSc) and localized scleroderma. Skin samples were obtained from patients by 6 mm punch biopsy. Samples were stained with antibodies against CD1a and CD86. The number of cells stained with both antibodies in the dermal and epidermal infiltration was calculated. In contrast to normal skin, both types of scleroderma skin showed a marked increase in CD1a+ dermal Langerhans cells, whereas the number of CD1a+ cells in localized scleroderma was much higher than that in SSc (p < 0.05) either in the dermis or in the epidermis. The expression of CD86 was increased in the dermis of localized scleroderma compared with that in SSc or normal skin (p < 0.05). This study revealed that Langerhans cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of scleroderma, especially in localized scleroderma. CD86 is predominantly expressed on dermal Langerhans cells in the lesional skin of localized scleroderma. Therefore, it might play an important role in the pathogenesis of localized scleroderma.
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