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Head and Neck Pathology
Published in: Head and Neck Pathology 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Lichen Planus | Research

Immunophenotypic and Gene Expression Analyses of the Inflammatory Microenvironment in High-Grade Oral Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Lichen Planus

Authors: Andres Flores-Hidalgo, James Phero, Scott Steward-Tharp, Megumi Williamson, David Paquette, Deepak Krishnan, Ricardo Padilla

Published in: Head and Neck Pathology | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) present diagnostic challenges due to clinical and histologic overlap. This study explores the immune microenvironment in OED, hypothesizing that immune signatures could aid in diagnostic differentiation and predict malignant transformation.

Methods

Tissue samples from OED and OLP cases were analyzed using immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry (IF/IHC) for CD4, CD8, CD163/STAT1, and PD-1/PDL-1 expression. RNA-sequencing was performed on the samples, and data was subjected to CIBERSORTx analysis for immune cell composition. Gene Ontology analysis on the immune differentially expressed genes was also conducted.

Results

In OED, CD8 + T-cells infiltrated dysplastic epithelium, correlating with dysplasia severity. CD4 + lymphocytes increased in the basal layer. STAT1/CD163 + macrophages correlated with CD4 + intraepithelial distribution. PD-1/PDL-1 expression varied. IF/IHC analysis revealed differential immune cell composition between OED and OLP. RNA-sequencing identified upregulated genes associated with cytotoxic response and immunosurveillance in OED. Downregulated genes were linked to signaling, immune cell recruitment, and tumor suppression.

Conclusions

The immune microenvironment distinguishes OED and OLP, suggesting diagnostic potential. Upregulated genes indicate cytotoxic immune response in OED. Downregulation of TRADD, CX3CL1, and ILI24 implies dysregulation in TNFR1 signaling, immune recruitment, and tumor suppression. This study contributes to the foundation for understanding immune interactions in OED and OLP, offering insights into future objective diagnostic avenues.
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Metadata
Title
Immunophenotypic and Gene Expression Analyses of the Inflammatory Microenvironment in High-Grade Oral Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Lichen Planus
Authors
Andres Flores-Hidalgo
James Phero
Scott Steward-Tharp
Megumi Williamson
David Paquette
Deepak Krishnan
Ricardo Padilla
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Head and Neck Pathology / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1936-0568
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-024-01624-7

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