EXPRESSION OF HLA-DR (IA LIKE) ANTIGEN ON EPIDERMAL-KERATINOCYTES IN HUMAN DERMATOSES

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 57  (1) , 93-100
Abstract
Ia antigen (HLA-DR in man) was demonstrated in keratinocytes in graft vs. host disease. This study investigates the occurrence of HLA-DR in keratinocytes in the following dermatoses: eczematous dermatitis, discoid lupus erythematosus, uninvolved and non-exposed skin from cases of systemic lupus erythematosus with Ig deposits, lichen planus, lichen simplex, bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, toxic erthema, tuberculid and chillblain. Keratinocyte staining was found in a variety of conditions. The unifying features of the instances of its occurrence was lymphoid infiltration and usually some focal evidence of keratinocyte damage. In eczema the staining was mid-epidermal, while in discoid lupus erythematosus and lichen planus it was basal. HLA-DR staining was absent in bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus vulgaris, which is consistent with the hypothesis that in these conditions the damage is mediated by autoantibodies and complement in the absence of cellular immune attack.