Cytomegalovirus and Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: Is There a Link?

Abstract

Background:Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare proliferative histiocytic disease of unknown etiology. Histologically, it is characterized by granuloma-like proliferation of Langerhans-type dendritic cells derived from bone marrow. Many investigators have suggested the possible role of viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2, and Cytomegalovirus in the pathogenesis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis.Objectives:In this study, we have investigated the presence of Cytomegalovirus in Langerhans cell histiocytosis in Iranian children.Patients and Methods:In this retrospective study, we have investigated the presence of Cytomegalovirus DNA expression, using paraffin-embedded tissue samples of 30 patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis and 30 age and site-matched controls by qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method.Results:No significant difference in prevalence of Cytomegalovirus presence between patients and controls was found. Cytomegalovirus was found by qualitative PCR in only 2 (6.66%) out of 30 patients and in 1 (3.3%) of 30 control samples with a P value of 1 (1.00 > 0.05) using chi-square test with OR: 2.07; 95% CI of OR: 0.18 - 24.15.Conclusions:Our findings do not support the hypothesis of a possible role for Cytomegalovirus in the pathogenesis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of the Thyroid Gland

“…Further studies employing double staining to identify the type of infected cells in LCH would be beneficial. With respect to other viruses, which were studied in LCH but revealed no significant association with the disease, such as HHV-6 [3], CMV [1], and HSV [21], our case also showed negative results.…”

“…Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare, predominantly multisystemic disease characterized by clonal proliferation of CD1a+/Langerin + Langerhans (dendritic) cells [1]. LCH can arise in virtually any organ system; the most common sites being bone, skin, lung, and the pituitary gland.…”

“…Previous studies actively debated the role of viral infection in LCH [1,2] and several viruses were proposed as etiological factors, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) [2,3]. According to Jeziorski et al, EBV seems to play a bystander role in pediatric LCH [4].…”

Epstein–Barr Virus-Positive Langerhans Cell Sarcoma: Is There a Link? A Case Report

“…The inflammatory nature of LCH lesions raises the possibility that infection and immune dysregulation may be the mechanisms of pathogenesis ( 52 ). Several viruses have been studied as potential etiological factors of LCH, including EBV ( 53 ), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) ( 54 ), cytomegalovirus (CMV) ( 55 ), herpes simplex virus (HSV) ( 56 ), and Merkel-cell polyoma virus (MCV or MCPyV) ( 57 ). Murakami reported that MCV-related molecules are present in more than half of LCH cases, and in some dermatopathy lymphadenopathy cases ( 58 ), and that three LCS cases were positive for viral DNA sequences ( 59 ).…”