Immunophenotypic characterization and distribution of dendritic cells in odontogenic cystic lesions

Abstract

Oral Diseases (2012) 19, 85–91 Objective: To analyze the expression and distribution patterns of mature dendritic cells (mDCs) and immature DCs (imDCs) in radicular cysts (RCs), dentigerous cysts (DtCs), and keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs). Materials and methods: Forty‐nine odontogenic cystic lesions (OCLs) (RCs, n = 20; DtCs, n = 15; KCOTs, n = 14) were assessed using the following markers: S100, CD1a and CD207 for imDCs; and CD83 for mDCs. Results: Almost all cases were S100, CD1a, and CD207 positive, whereas 63% were CD83 positive. RCs presented greater number of immunostained cells, followed by DtCs, and KCOTs. The number of S100+ cells was greater than both CD1a+ and CD207+ cells (P < 0.001), which showed approximately similar amounts, followed by lower number of CD83+ cells (P < 0.001) in each OCL type. Different from S100+ cells, both CD1a+ and CD207+ cells on the epithelium (P < 0.05) and CD83+ cells on the capsule (P < 0.05) were preferentially observed. In RCs, significant correlation was found between the thickness epithelium with S100+ and CD1a+ cells, and between the degree of inflammation with CD83+ cells. Conclusions: Dendritic cell populations in OCLs can be phenotypically heterogeneous, and it could represent distinct lineages and/or functional stages. It is suggested that besides DC‐mediated immune cell interactions, DC‐mediated tissue differentiation and maintenance in OCLs should also be considered.

Immature, but Not Mature, Dendritic Cells Are More Often Present in Aggressive Periodontitis Than Chronic Periodontitis: An Immunohistochemical Study

“…As previously commented, LCs are a distinct subtype of imDCs (S100+, CD1a+, and CD207+) which, after antigen capture and subsequent displacement to regional lymph nodes, differentiate into mDCs; the latter are characterized by expression of CD83 and CD208. 15,21,27,39,40,41 In the current study, CD208 expression has been observed, preferentially on gingival lamina propria, indicating that DC maturation in situ occurs, corroborating the Jotwani et al 27 study. Moreover, interestingly, it was visualized focal intraepithelial location of CD208+ cells, which appear to correspond to LCs (Fig.…”

“…CD83 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, which is upregulated during the maturation of DCs 15 , 44 . Moreover, it is known that CD83 may be expressed by monocytes and macrophages, weakly by germinal center lymphocytes, and at low levels by B‐ and T‐cell populations 45 .…”

“…43 Thus, when assessing LCs in oral mucosal samples, it is necessary to know that both CD1a and CD207 immunomarkers may identify distinctive DC subpopulations influenced by functional stages and presence of specific cytokines in local milieu. 15,40 On the other hand, the S100 marker, when assessed individually, is highly non-specific for imDCs because other cells such as melanocytes and histiocytes can also be S100+. Therefore, S100 expression should be interpreted with caution and in conjunction with both CD1a and CD207 markers, in accordance with the current study.…”

“…Periodontal tissue contains three types of immature (im) DCs: 1) Langerhans cells (LCs); 2) submucosal (sub) DCs; and 3) plasmacytoid (p) DCs 3 , 13 . LCs constitute a distinct population, which, following antigen capture, differentiates into mature (m) DCs 14 , 15 . Depending on activation and maturation state, DCs play an important role in initiation and amplification of adaptive immune responses, modulating activation and differentiation of both B‐ and T‐cells, as well as regulating critical interactions with macrophage populations 3 , 4 .…”

“…3,13 LCs constitute a distinct population, which, following antigen capture, differentiates into mature (m) DCs. 14,15 Depending on activation and maturation state, DCs play an important role in initiation and amplification of adaptive immune responses, modulating activation and differentiation of both B-and T-cells, as well as regulating critical interactions with macrophage populations. 3,4 Therefore, knowledge of activation and maturation states of immune cells present in periodontal disease is fundamental to better understand their immunologic mechanisms.…”