The role of alpha E beta 7 integrin ( CD103) and E-cadherin in epidermotropism in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Adhesion molecules such as integrins and cadherins are thought to play a critical role in T-cell migration and localization within the epidermis (epidermotropism). The purpose of this study was to correlate T-cell expression of the integrin CD103 and E-cadherin in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Serial sections of skin biopsies from 22 patients with CTCL and 13 with benign reactive dermatitis were stained with antibodies to CD4, CD103, and E-cadherin by the avidin-biotin peroxidase technique. CD103 was expressed on single epidermotropic CD4+ T-cells in 9/9 early stage (patch/plaque) CTCL and 6/10 reactive dermatitis biopsies. Less than 30% of dermal T-cells expressed CD103. All 4/4 late stage (tumor) CTCL were CD103-. Epidermal aggregates of CD4+ T-cells (Pautrier's microabscesses) were CD103-. E-cadherin was expressed on epidermal keratinocytes and follicular and sweat gland epithelia but not on T-cells. We conclude that CD103 expression on cutaneous T-cells parallels the degree of epidermotropism exhibited in both neoplastic and inflammatory disorders of the skin. E-cadherin is not expressed on T-cells infiltrating the skin. Further investigation is necessary to further elucidate the interaction between CD103 and E-cadherin in facilitating trafficking of T-cells into the epidermis.[1]References
- The role of alpha E beta 7 integrin (CD103) and E-cadherin in epidermotropism in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Dietz, S.B., Whitaker-Menezes, D., Lessin, S.R. J. Cutan. Pathol. (1996) [Pubmed]
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