Identification of subpopulations of lymphocytes and macrophages in the infiltrate of lichen planus lesions of skin and oral mucosa

Abstract

The [human] mononuclear cells of the infiltrate in lichen planus lesions of skin and oral mucosa were identified by detection of their membrane receptors in frozen-tissue sections. By this method, the infiltrate would appear to consist of predominantly T [thymus-derived] lymphocytes, some macrophages and only a few B [bone marrow-derived] cells. The [immune] pathogenesis of lichen planus is discussed in the light of these findings.