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

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 = 30 samples) compared with normal skin samples (n = 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.