Interleukin-2 expression in lupoid and usual types of old world cutaneous leishmaniasis

Abstract EN

Background : Interleukin (IL)-2 plays a central role in T cell-dependent immune responses.

Objectives : We conducted this study to determine and compare IL-2 expression in lupoid and usual types of Old World Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (OWCL), using immunohistochemistry.

Patients and Methods : Thirteen paraffin-embedded specimens of lupoid and 12 specimens of usual types of OWCL were used.

A mouse monoclonal anti IL-2 antibody was used for staining by the envision technique.

Results : There were strongly stained discrete foci of staining through inflammatory infiltrates of dermis and also in basal layers of epidermis and adnexal structures, with a distinctive pattern of hot spot activity foci (mean of 9.31 ± 6.4 versus 8.17 ± 6.9 foci per HPF for lupoid and usual types, respectively).

The expression of IL-2 had no correlation with the pattern of granulomatous inflammation (tuberculoid, sarcoidal or mixed suppurative).

Conclusions : Interleukin-2 takes part in the immunological response of the granulomatous reaction of OWCL and is not statistically different between lupoid and usual types (P = 0.674).