Objective: To investigate the expressions of CD1a and CD83 of Langerhans cells (LC) in the lesions of epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) patients.
Methods: We used immunohistochemical method to detect the expressions of CD1a and CD83 in the lesions of 10 patients with EV lesions and in the skins of 10 normal subjects.
Results: No CD83 + LCs was detected in all EV patients and normal controls, but CD1a + LC was found in all cases. The quantity of CD1a + LCs in the lesions of EV patients was significantly lower than that in the normal skin (P < 0.01); furthermore, the distribution of LCs in EV lesions was uneven.
Conclusion: The functions of LCs may be inhibited in EV patients.