Expression and significance of dendritic cell markers CD123, FXⅢA and CD1a in leprosy lesions

Abstract

Objective: To explore the role of dendritic cells in the pathogenesis of leprosy. Method: The expression of three dendritic cell markers (CD123, FXⅢA, CD1a) in leprosy lesions was assessed by immunohistochemical staining, and their significance was analyzed. Results: Expression of CD123, FXⅢA and CD1a was observed in tuberculoid granulomas of paucibacillary leprosy lesion, while lesion of multibacillary leprosy displayed no or minimal expression. Conclusions: CD123, FXⅢA and CD1a positive dendritic cells participate in the cellular immune response in leprosy, and promote the development of the disease toward paucibacillary type.

Keywords

• leprosy
• dendritic cells
• immunohistochemistry
• cd123
• fxⅲa
• cd1a