Immunohistochemical discrimination of plasmacytoid dendritic cells from myeloid dendritic cells in human pathological tissues

J Clin Exp Hematop. 2009 May;49(1):23-31. doi: 10.3960/jslrt.49.23.

Abstract

Until now, no method has been available to discriminate mature plasmacytoid DC (pDC) from myeloid DC (mDC) immunohistochemically. In this study, we report that these DC-subsets can be distinguished in routine pathological sections. Immature and mature monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) were S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B)+, while pDCs generated from pDC-precursors were S100B-. In contrast, both mature MoDC and pDC were fascin+. Epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) were S100B+/fascin-. Although the majority of DCs were S100B+/fascin+ in the dermis with nonspecific inflammation, dermal DCs were mostly S100B-/fascin+ in psoriasis vulgaris, in which type I interferon secreted by pDC-precursors is thought to play a major role. S100B+/fascin+ DCs were accumulated in the superficial lymph node (LN), while they were scarce in the deep LN. In the superficial LN with dermatopathic lymphadenitis, a large number of S100B+/fascin+ DCs were accumulated in the T-zones, where numerous LC-derived DCs are accumulated. In contrast, almost all DCs were S100B-/fascin+ in the superficial LN with Kikuchi's lymphadenitis, in which numerous pDC-precursors are known to be present. In contrast to the superficial LN, the deep LN contained numerous S100B-/fascin+ DCs and a few S100B+ DCs. Thus, the distributions of S100B+ DC or S100B-/fascin+ DC correspond to the putative distribution of mDC or mature pDC, respectively.

MeSH terms

  • Carrier Proteins / analysis*
  • Cell Lineage*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dendritic Cells / classification
  • Dendritic Cells / cytology*
  • Dendritic Cells / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods*
  • Langerhans Cells / cytology
  • Lymphadenitis / pathology
  • Microfilament Proteins / analysis*
  • Nerve Growth Factors / analysis*
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit
  • S100 Proteins / analysis*
  • Skin Diseases / pathology*
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit
  • S100 Proteins
  • S100B protein, human
  • fascin