Correlation of CD1a Positive Langerhans Cells and Transforming Growth Factor β in Oral Submucuous Fibrosis - An Immunohistochemical Study

Background: Impaired localized epithelial immune system leads to oral cancer. Langerhans Cells (LCs) act as regulators of immune response which are regulated by Transforming Growth Factor β. But their association in a potentially malignant disorder like Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF), has not been researched enough. The aim of this paper was to assess the relationship between TGF β and LCs in OSF and whether TGF β can be successfully used as a therapeutic target. Context: TGF β has been a known regulator of immune response through its action on LCs which is proven in some in –vitro studies and also some of the clinical trials targeting TGF β. Aims: The aim of this paper was to assess the relationship between TGF β and LCs in OSF and whether TGF β can be successfully used as a therapeutic target. Methods & Material: Forty OSF and nine normal buccal mucosa were sectioned and subsequently stained immunohistochemically stained anti CD1a and anti (CD105) antibody respectively. Statistical Analysis Used: Student’s-t-test and One way ANOVA was applied. Results: Overall reduction of LCs in the epithelium of OSF than normal mucosa. There was no association seen between the expression of TGFβ and LCs in different stages or grades of OSF or in normal mucosa. Conclusion: Reduced number of LCs in OSF indicates that it does not correlate with the expression of TGF β. Areca itself may have cytotoxic/genotoxic effects on LCs.