Absence of MHC class II antigen on mast cells at sites of inflammation in human skin.
Since the presence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens has recently been reported on murine and human mast cells under various conditions, we have investigated their expression on mast cells in different types of cutaneous inflammation. Cryostat sections from lesional biopsies of patients with psoriasis, atopic eczema, chronic urticaria, lichen planus, bullous pemphigoid and urticaria pigmentosa were immunohistochemically stained with monoclonal antibodies against MHC class I and class II antigens using a double staining APAAP/toluidine blue methodology. While strongly positive staining with the antibody directed against MHC class I antigens was found on nearly all mast cells in normal skin and in inflammatory dermatoses, reactivity for HLA-DR and HLA-DQ antigens on mast cells could not be detected, except for less than 2% of cells with doubtful staining. Human mast cells therefore probably play no significant rôle as antigen-presenting cells in the conditions studied.
Lipski
S
S
Department of Dermatology, Virchow Clinics, Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany.
Grabbe
J
J
Henz
B M
BM
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology; D006681:HLA-D Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000276:immunology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D010391:Pemphigoid, Bullous / Q000276:immunology; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000276:immunology; D012016:Reference Values; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D014581:Urticaria / Q000276:immunology; D014582:Urticaria Pigmentosa / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D006681:HLA-D Antigens; D006683:HLA-DQ Antigens; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I