CD1A+ LANGERHANS CELLS ARE REDUCED IN ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS AND ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Abstract

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) affects mainly the Indian subcontinent and its manifestations are closely linked with the habit of chewing betel. Immune system cells such as Langerhans cells (LC) and dendritic cells (DC) are linked to the immunopathogenesis of various lesions and have been studied for their ability of recognizing precursor malignant cells and to destroy them. Objective: Verify the distribution of LC and immature DC in OSMF and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Study design: Fourteen cases of OSFM, 9 of OSCC associated to OSMF, and 40 of OSCC were retrieved. The original diagnoses were confirmed by 2 oral pathologists, who further classified OSFM in grade I, II, and III. OSCC cases were classified as well, moderately, and poorly differentiated. Immunoreactions against CD1a were performed and the number of positive LC and DC were quantified. Results: Analysis revealed a significant decrease in the number of immature LC and DC in OSCC compared to OSCC-OSMF (P Conclusions: The results suggest that depletion of immature LC and DC would represent an important step for developing OSCC.