Changes in distribution and ultrastructure of Langerhans cells in condyloma acuminatum tissues, and analysis of the underlying mechanism

ObjectiveTo determine the changes in distribution and function of Langerhans cells (LCs) in condyloma acuminatum (CA) tissues, as well as the possible underlying mechanism.MethodsThe expression of CD1a and E-cadherin in 26 CA lesions and 10 normal prepuce tissues was determined using the streptavidin peroxidase method. The mRNA expression of CD1a and E-cadherin was determined using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The ultrastructure of LCs was observed under a transmission electronic microscope (TEM).ResultsIn the CA tissues, the number of CD1a-positive LCs was significantly decreased (10.66 ± 11.71) compared with the number in normal prepuce tissues (p < 0.05). The LCs in the CA tissues had smaller cell bodies with fewer and shortened cytodendrites. The CD1a mRNA expression in the CA tissues significantly decreased compared with that in the normal tissues (0.4066 ± 0.2671 vs. 0.7444 ± 0.3667; p < 0.01). The average E-cadherin staining score in the CA tissues was significantly lower than that in the normal tissues (2.36 ± 1.41 vs. 7.67 ± 1.64; p < 0.01). The E-cadherin mRNA expression in the CA tissues was also significantly lower than that in the normal tissues (0.1737 ± 0.1083 vs. 0.3786 ± 0.1460; p < 0.01). A positive correlation was observed between the LC number and E-cadherin expression density (r = 0.8381, p < 0.05), as well as between the mRNA expression of CD1a and E-cadherin (r = 0.8381, p < 0.05). TEM observation revealed changes in the morphology and quantity of subcellular organelles (Birbeck granules) in the CA tissues.ConclusionCA lesions are characterized by a decreased number of LCs and antigen presentation dysfunction. The decrease in the number of LCs may be correlated with reduced E-cadherin expression, which hinders intraepidermal LC retention.