Expression of dendritic cell lysosome-associated membrane protein and dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3 grabbing nonintegrin in condyloma acuminatum lesions

Abstract

Objective: Retrospective, observational study to explore the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in condyloma acuminatum lesions (genital warts) and their relationship with duration of the disease. Methods: Condyloma acuminatum lesion samples were collected from male patients with the condition and compared with normal foreskin samples from male volunteers. Cellular locations of dendritic cell lysosome-associated membrane protein (DC-LAMP) and dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3 grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) were detected using immunohistochemistry. Levels of both proteins were determined using Western blot analysis; levels of their corresponding mRNAs were measured using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: The mRNA and protein levels of DC-LAMP and DC-SIGN were both significantly higher in condyloma acuminatum lesions (n ¼ 30 samples) compared with normal skin samples (n ¼ 13). Levels of DC-LAMP and DC-SIGN protein and duration of disease were inversely correlated. Conclusions: DC-LAMP and DC-SIGN may be involved in the pathogenesis of condyloma acuminatum. Their levels were inversely correlated with the duration of disease, suggesting that DCs might be involved in human papillomavirus clearance.