Expression of alpha-defensin-1 in chronic hyperplastic candidosis

BACKGROUND: Chronic hyperplastic candidosis (CHC) represents a chronic opportunistic Candida infection. We clarified the presence, localization and participation of α-defensin-1 in host response against chronic Candidal stimulus. METHODS: Immunohistochemically stained CHC biopsies (n = 10) were compared to Candida negative idiopathic leukoplakia (n = 10). RESULTS: In CHC α-defensin-1 was detected in neutrophils intravascularly, in lamina propria and in the epithelium, in part in intraepithelial microabscesses. Staining intensity of individual neutrophils varied and was associated with peri- and extracellular staining, in particular in the superficial epithelial cell layers. In controls only very few homogeneously staining neutrophils were detected intravascularly without any extracellular α-defensin-1 deposition. CONCLUSIONS: Neutrophils form microabscesses and respond to Candida by activation and release of α-defensin-1 to peri- and extracellular matrix. This together with the epithelial cell migration from the basal layer to epithelial surface leads to α-defensin-1 rich protective shield in the most superficial epithelial cell layers. © Blackwell Munksgaard 2005 · All rights reserved.