Reduced numbers of Langerhans cells and increased HLA-DR expression in keratinocytes in the oral gingival epithelium of HIV-infected patients with periodontitis

BACKGROUND: HIV-seropositive (HIV+) patients become increasingly susceptible to periodontal diseases as HIV infection proceeds. We have previously shown that HIV+ patients with chronic marginal periodontitis (CMP) have remarkably increased numbers of gingival plasma cells in the connective tissue underlying the oral gingival epithelium, but depressed specific serum IgG levels towards periodontopathogenic bacteria. Langerhans cells (LC) and keratinocytes (KC) are antigen-presenting cells that are important in promoting immune responses. METHOD: In this study we examined, by means of immunofluorescence, the distribution and numbers of LC and activated KC in biopsies taken from inflamed periodontal sites in HIV+ and HIV patients with CMP. RESULTS: In the pocket epithelium in both patient groups, basal layer KC expressed HLA-DR molecules. In the oral gingival epithelium of HIV+ patients, basal layer KC also expressed HLA-DR molecules and numbers of LC were decreased as compared with HIV persons. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the oral gingiva in HIV+ patients may be affected by inflammation.