Immunopathology of oral lichen planus - part I - Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and antigen - presenting cells (APC)

Abstract

This article is part of a study on lichen planus in oral cavity and its immunologic reactions, developed in its parts - I and II. In part I the possible immunologic mechanisms involved in the appearance and perpetuation of oral lichen planus are analysed, and it is also approa- ched the human leukocyte antigen (HLA), the antigen-presenting cells (APC) and the lymphocyte popula- tion. In part II, adhesion molecules, cytokine and humoral immunity are studied. It is suggested a possible association between oral lichen planus and cell-mediated or type IV hypersensitivity reactions. Key words: immunology, pa- thology, oral lichen planus.