Langerin (CD207)-positive cells in leprosy: Possible implications for pathogenesis of the disease with special emphasis on dermal immunoreactivity. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hirai, Kelly Emi; Silva, Luciana Mota; de Sousa, Jorge Rodrigues; de Souza, Juarez; Dias, Leônidas Braga; Oliveira Carneiro, Francisca Regina; de Souza Aarão, Tinara Leila; Quaresma, Juarez Antonio Simões
• Is Part Of: Microbial pathogenesis. Volume 124(2018)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 4
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Leprosy -- CD207 -- Dendritic cells -- Immunopathogenesis -- Immunohistochemistry; Pathogenic microorganisms -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- microbiology -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- parasitology -- Periodicals; Micro-organismes pathogènes -- Périodiques; Pathologie moléculaire -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.9041
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.08.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0882-4010

Abstract

Abstract: Leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which is characterized by two distinct poles, the tuberculoid pole and the lepromatous pole, depending on the immune response to the bacillus. Langerin-positive cells are dendritic cells that appear to play an essential role in the development of the disease. These cells are specialized in the processing and presentation of antigens, exerting an important function in the activation of the immune system. To evaluate the expression of langerin-positive cells (CD207+) in skin lesion fragments of patients with a diagnosis of M. leprae infection and to associate the expression of these cells with the polar forms of the disease. Langerin-positive cells were detected in larger numbers in lesions of patients with the tuberculoid form compared to those with the lepromatous form. The presence of a larger number of these cells in patients with the tuberculoid form suggests an important participation of langerin-positive cells, capturing antigens and favoring an effective immune response to infection with M. leprae . Highlights: Leprosy affects the skin and nerves and can lead to physical disability. Damage caused by infection depends on the pattern of immune response. Dendritic cells appear to play an essential role in the immunopathogenesis of leprosy. Langerin-positive dendritic cells may contribute to understanding of pathogenesis of diseases. Langerin-positive cells in tuberculoid leprosy suggests participation of these cells in immune response to M. leprae .