In situ expression of CD23 in lymph nodes of patients with Kimura's disease

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of CD23 (Fcɛ RII) in the lymph nodes (LNs) of patients with Kimura's disease (KD).

Methods: Expression of CD23 was examined immunohistochemically. The concentrations of soluble CD23 and titers of IgE in sera from patients with KD were studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: In the germinal centers (GCs) of LNs from patients with KD, overexpression of CD23 on well-developed follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) was observed. GC lymphocytes in the LNs of KD patients were intensely positive for CD23, and positive cells were also observed in both the light and dark zones. In contrast, in the LNs of normal patients, CD23-positive cells were restricted to the light zone of the GCs. Although serum IgE titers were raised in all KD patients, serum concentrations of soluble CD23 were not elevated.

Conclusion: These results suggest that CD23 and FDCs play important roles in the pathogenesis of KD.