Detection of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 and inducible costimulator in blister fluid of patients with bullous pemphigoid

Abstract

Objective To detect levels of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5) and inducible costimulator (ICOS) in blister fluid of patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP), and to explore their significance in the pathogenesis of BP. Methods Blister fluid samples were collected from 15 patients with BP (experimental group) and 15 patients with second-degree burns (control group). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the levels of CXCR5 and ICOS in the 2 groups. Results The level of CXCR5 was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (219 ± 145.31 vs. 147 ± 23.83 ng/L, t = 4.577, P 0.05). Conclusion The expression of CXCR5 may be associated with the occurrence of BP, but further researches are needed to determine the relationship between ICOS and the occurrence of BP. Key words: Pemphigoid, bullous; Receptors, CXCR5; Inducible costimulator; Blister fluid