Evaluation of the participation of B-cels and plasma cells in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus: clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical correlation

• Grant number: 21/13686-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2022
• End date: June 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Ana Carolina Fragoso Motta
• Grantee: Rafaela Cristina Jacintho
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the oral mucosa, often affecting females, especially in adults and the elderly. Characteristically, the pathogenesis of OLP mainly involves the action of T cell subpopulations, including CD4 T helper lymphocytes and CD8 T cytotoxic lymphocytes, the latter involved in the process of inducing basal keratinocyte apoptosis, which results in deterioration of the oral epithelium. On the other hand, the quantitative and functional participation of B-lymphocytes and plasma cells in the OLP remains poorly elucidated, being a topic little explored in the literature. Thus, the objective of this investigation is to determine, through an immunohistochemical study, the expression pattern of CD20 protein (present on the surface of B lymphocytes) and CD138 protein (present on the surface of mature plasma cells) in LPO samples (N= 50) and LLO (N=50), correlating them with clinical and histopathological findings; and in this way, analyze the relationship of these antigens with the pathogenesis of the disease. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of FORP/USP and co-participating institutions (CAAE: 3370314.8.0000.5419). All participants must agree to participate and give informed consent. (AU)