Inate immunity in rosacea. Langerhans cells, plasmacytoid dentritic cells, Toll-like receptors and inducible oxide nitric synthase (iNOS) expression in skin specimens: case-control study

Abstract

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition with predominant facial involvement. Because of that, many patients sense that rosacea affects quality of life. The etiology of rosacea remains unknown. Recent studies have suggested that aberrant innate immunity is central to this disease. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of Langerhans cells, plasmacytoid dentritic cells (PDC), the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR) and inducible oxide nitric synthase (iNOS) in skin of patients with rosacea, to highlight the participation of innate immunity in its pathogenesis. 28 biopsy specimens were taken from patients with clinical and histopathological findings of rosacea. Immunohistochemical demonstration of Langerhans cells (anti-CD1a antibody), PDC (anti-CD 123 antibody), TLR2, TLR4 and iNOS was performed in skin samples and compared with normal skin controls. The expression of Langerhans cells was lower in rosacea group than in control group. PDC were found in skin samples of rosacea as isolated cells and forming small clusters. Expression of TLR2, TLR4 and iNOS was higher in rosacea samples than in normal skin controls. This research demonstrates early and late stage components of innate immunity in specimens of rosacea ratifying the existence of an altered innate immunity in its pathogenesis.