Oral lupus erythematosus: Immunohistochemical evaluation of CD1a, CD21, CD123, and langerin expression in dendritic cells.

CD1a, langerin, and CD123 expressions were detected coincidently surrounding the inflammatory infiltrate in oral LE, suggesting that these cells may play an important role in immune response. Interestingly, plasmacytoid dendritic cells showed increased CD123 expression in sun-exposed site lesions, which point out a possible function in their pathogenesis. Further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.