Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
In Situ Detection of Autoreactive CD4 T Cells in Brain and Heart Using Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Dextramers
Published on: August 1, 2014
Langerhans cells in lichen planus and lichenoid mucositis an immunohistochemical study
M Devi1, T R Saraswathi2, K Ranganathan2
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Adiparasakthi Dental College, Melmaruvathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Insights
Langerhans cell (LC) counts are significantly higher in oral lichen planus (LP) compared to lichenoid mucositis (LM) and normal mucosa (NM). This finding suggests distinct immune responses in these oral conditions.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Dermatology
Background:
- Lichen planus (LP) and lichenoid mucositis (LM) are inflammatory conditions affecting oral mucosa.
- Langerhans cells (LCs) play a role in immune responses within mucosal tissues.
- Understanding LC distribution can help differentiate between LP and LM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively evaluate Langerhans cells (LCs) in oral lichen planus (LP), lichenoid mucositis (LM), and normal oral mucosa (NM).
- To utilize CD1a immunohistochemistry for precise LC identification and quantification.
- To explore potential differences in LC presence that may indicate varying immunopathogenic mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Biopsies from 15 oral lichen planus (LP) and 15 lichenoid mucositis (LM) cases were analyzed.
- Control group comprised biopsies from 10 normal buccal mucosa (NM) specimens.
- Immunohistochemical staining with CD1a monoclonal antibody and analysis of labeling index (LI) were performed.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in CD1a-positive Langerhans cells (LCs) was observed in the basal and suprabasal layers of oral lichen planus (LP) compared to lichenoid mucositis (LM) and normal mucosa (NM).
- Mean counts of CD1a-positive cells in connective tissues were also significantly higher in LP than in LM and NM.
- The labeling index (LI) for CD1a was notably elevated in LP.
Conclusions:
- Oral lichen planus (LP) exhibits a significantly higher number of Langerhans cells (LCs) than lichenoid mucositis (LM) and normal mucosa (NM).
- These findings suggest that different immunopathogenic mechanisms may underlie LP and LM.
- CD1a immunohistochemistry is a valuable tool for differentiating these conditions based on LC infiltration.
Aim:
The aim of this study is to identify and evaluate Langerhans cell (LC) in lichen planus (LP), lichenoid mucositis (LM) and normal mucosa (NM) using CD1a monoclonal antibody immunohistochemically.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 15 cases of oral lichen planus and 15 cases of LM were selected based on clinical examination and confirmed by histopathological analysis. The biopsies from the 10 patients were taken from normal buccal mucosa as control. Paraffin blocks of tissue were made, which are used for routine hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining using biotin streptavidin methods (CD1a monoclonal antibody). Analysis of CD1a expression was performed by evaluating the labeling index (LI) for each slide.
Results:
The mean CD1a LI for LP was significantly higher than that of LM and NM in the basal and supra basal layer. The mean CD1a positive cells in the connective tissues for LP were higher than that of LM and NM.
Conclusion:
This study clearly demonstrates a statistically significant increase in number of LC in LP than in LM, indicating the possible different immunopathogenic mechanisms.
