Reduced number of Langerhans cells in oral mucosal washings from HIV-1 seropositives

J Oral Pathol Med. 1994 Oct;23(9):399-402. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0714.1994.tb00084.x.

Abstract

In order to elucidate mucosal immunity in HIV-1 seropositive individuals, we investigated oral mucosa washings from 20 HIV-1 seropositive patients for the presence of Langerhans cells (LC) and HIV-1 antigen-positive cells, and compared the results with those obtained from 20 HIV-1 seronegative healthy individuals. Monoclonal antibodies directed against CD1a, HLA-DR, CD3, and p24 were used to identify LC, T cells and HIV-1 core-antigens, respectively. In oral mucosa washings from HIV-1 seropositive patients there was a significant reduction in the number of CD1a+ cells as compared with the healthy subjects. HIV-1 antigen-positive cells were not detected. The reduction of LC in oral mucosa washings from HIV-1 seropositive patients is probably associated with HIV-1 infection. The frequent occurrence of oral mucosal disorders in HIV-1 infected patients may in part be caused by a reduced LC-number and/or function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / immunology
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, CD / analysis
  • Antigens, CD1
  • Candidiasis, Oral / etiology
  • Candidiasis, Oral / immunology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cell Count
  • HIV Core Protein p24 / analysis
  • HIV Seropositivity / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Langerhans Cells / immunology*
  • Male
  • Mouth Mucosa / immunology*
  • Mouth Mucosa / pathology
  • Statistics, Nonparametric

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, CD1
  • HIV Core Protein p24