Local immune responses in cutaneous warts: an immunocytochemical study of Langerhans' cells, T cells and adhesion molecules

Cutaneous warts, caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) frequently persist for months or years; it is not clear what aspects of the immune system are most important in their control and resolution. The resent study concentrated on an immunocytochemical analysis of Langerhans' cells and T cells in cutaneous warts together with an assessment of adhesion molecule expression (ICAM-1 and ELAM-1). Comparisons were made throughout with skin from normal subjects and from patients with psoriasis. There was an increase in numbers of CD3 + (pan T), CD45RO + (memory T) cells in the dermis of warts compared with normal skin. In addition ICAM-1 and ELAM-1 expression were increased in the dermis of warts compared with normal skin which may be responsible for the influx of T cells into this site