Langerhans Cells in Oral Mucosa from Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Background: Oral manifestations are common in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Objectives: Compare the number of Langerhans cells and intensity of anti-CD1a expression in the mucous membranes of the oral cavities of the same patients with AIDS and HIV-negative individuals. Materials and methods: Sixteen autopsied adults were investigated, including 11 with AIDS, and 5 HIV negative. We identified Langerhans cells in three oral regions of the same subject using an anti-CD1a antibody and quantified them in cells/mm2. Were applied normality tests and Mann-Whitney. Results: The numbers of Langerhans cells in the AIDS patient group were less than in the control group, but didn't differ significantly between the two groups. The intensity of anti-CD1a expression was lower in patients with AIDS. Of the three areas, the greater intensity of CD1a cells were found in the masticatory mucosa. Discussion: We observed a reduction of Langerhans cells in the oral mucosa of patients with AIDS and this is the first report, to our knowledge, that evaluate three different oral mucosal membranes in the same subject. Conclusion: Our study suggests that AIDS influences on the depletion of Langerhans’ cells, particularly in the specialized mucosa, and the intensity of expression of anti- CD1a regardless of the type of oral mucosa.