Immunohistochemical expression of human β-defensin-2 in verruca vulgaris

Abstract

Background Verruca vulgaris is the commonest viral cutaneous infection that is caused by human papilloma virus. There are more than 150 genotypically different types of human papilloma virus. Types 1, 2, 4, 27, and 57 were found with verruca vulgaris. Human β-defensins (hBDs), a family of small antimicrobial peptides, are important effector molecules of innate immunity, possessing antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. Aim The aim of this work was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of hBD-2 in verruca vulgaris lesion in a trial to elucidate its possible role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Patients and methods This study included 15 lesional skin specimens of 15 patients with typical clinically and histopathologically diagnosed verruca vulgaris (group I). Seven specimens of nonlesional normal skin of contralateral sides of seven of these patients (group II) in addition to other seven normal skin specimens from seven healthy subjects of matched age and sex (group III) served as controls. All specimens were studied histopathologically using hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemically for detection of hBD-2 expression. Results All lesional skin specimens (group I) showed positive expression of hBD-2. Twelve (80%) specimens showed positive expression in all epidermal layers [immunoreactivity (IR) 3]. Two (13.3%) specimens showed positive expression in the stratum corneum only (IR 1), and one (6.7%) specimen showed positive expression in the stratum corneum and stratum granulosum (IR 2). Groups II and III showed no expression of hBD-2 (IR 0). There was highly significant difference between patients and controls (P Conclusion There was positive immunohistochemical expression of hBD-2 in lesional skin specimens taken from patients with verruca vulgaris, whereas there was no expression in normal skin specimens taken from the patients and the volunteers. This may indicate a possible role of hBD-2 in the pathogenesis of verruca vulgaris and also in the immunity against it.