Shoeib M, Farag AGA, Eltorgman M, Abdou AG. Evaluation of the Langerhans cells role in vitiligo and its relationship to NB-UVB.
J Cosmet Dermatol 2021;
20:3642-3648. [PMID:
33609002 DOI:
10.1111/jocd.14012]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Langerhans cells (LCs) are antigen-presenting cells that are characterized by CD1a and CD207/langerin expression. The disturbance in the communication network among keratinocytes, melanocytes, and antigen-presenting cells may be involved in vitiligo pathogenesis.
AIMS
The current work aims to detect and quantify LCs in involved skin of patients affected by vitiligo before and after treatment with NB-UVB using CD1a immunohistochemistry, in addition to correlate percentage of LCs with the clinicopathological parameters.
METHODS
Twenty vitiligo patients and 10 age and sex matched controls were investigated. Patients were received NB-UVB thrice weekly for 12 weeks.
RESULTS
There was a significant reduction in LCs percentage in skin affected by vitiligo before treatment in comparison with normal skin. About 65% (13/20) of vitiligo patients responded to NB-UVB, and the liability to respond was correlated with LCs percentage in specimens before treatment. However, there was no statistical difference between specimens before and after treatment regarding LCs percentage.
CONCLUSIONS
Reduction in LCs in vitiligo may be a sign of active disease and melanocytes destruction. The percentage of LCs affects response to NB-UVB since higher percentage is associated with greater response to therapy. Therefore, modulation of LCs as a type of immunotherapy could be beneficial in improvement of vitiligo.
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