Immunocompetent cells and epithelial cell modifications in molluscum contagiosum

J Cutan Pathol. 1990 Aug;17(4):202-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.1990.tb00085.x.

Abstract

We studied lesions of molluscum contagiosum with a panel of monoclonal antibodies to determine the phenotype of infiltrating cells and antigen modifications of infected keratinocytes. Our data indicate (1) a complete lack of immunocompetent cells in the viral lesions, and simultaneously a loss of B2-microglobulin reactivity by molluscum bodies, a cellular activation of EGF and transferrin receptors and expression of CD36 antigen of these bodies; (2) a moderate infiltrate of activated T cells and monocytes in the underlying epidermis; (3) an increase of Langerhans cell density and a CD36 expression by the surface of upper layer keratinocytes in the perilesional epidermis.

MeSH terms

  • Epithelium / immunology
  • Epithelium / metabolism
  • Epithelium / microbiology
  • ErbB Receptors / immunology
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • HLA-DR Antigens / immunology
  • HLA-DR Antigens / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Keratinocytes / immunology
  • Keratinocytes / metabolism
  • Keratinocytes / microbiology
  • Langerhans Cells / immunology
  • Langerhans Cells / metabolism
  • Langerhans Cells / microbiology
  • Molluscum Contagiosum / immunology
  • Molluscum Contagiosum / metabolism
  • Molluscum Contagiosum / pathology*
  • Receptors, Transferrin / immunology
  • Receptors, Transferrin / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / microbiology
  • beta 2-Microglobulin / immunology
  • beta 2-Microglobulin / metabolism

Substances

  • HLA-DR Antigens
  • Receptors, Transferrin
  • beta 2-Microglobulin
  • ErbB Receptors