Expression And Significance Of CCL20/CCR6 Axis In The Lesions Of Oral Lichen Planus

Objective:The aim of present study is to detect the expression of CCL20 and its receptor CCR6 in the lesions of patients with oral lichen planus,and to explore whether CCL20/CCR6 is involved in the occurrence and development of oral lichen planus.Methods:IL-17,CCL20 and CCR6 mRNA expression were detected using qPCR in patients with oral lichen planus(erosive and non-erosive)and normal mucosa;Meanwhile,the protein levels of CCL20 and CCR6 were investigated by immunohistochemical method in patients with oral lichen planus(erosive and non-erosive)and normal mucosa.Results:qPCR results showed that the expression of IL-17,CCL20 and CCR6 mRNA in patients with oral lichen planus(erosive and non-erosive)were higher than those in the normal group(P<0.05);Pearson correlation analysis showed that IL-17 was positively correlated with CCL20 and CCR6(r = 0.711,P<0.05);r = 0.568,P<0.05).Immunohistochemistry results showed that in normal oral mucosa CCR6 and CCL20 were expressed weakly,mainly distributed in the lamina propria lymphocytes,basal layer,spinous layer and part of granulosa layer.In oral lichen planus tissues,CCR6 and CCL20 staining sites were similar to normal oral mucosa.The expression of CCR6 and CCL20 in oral lichen planus were higher than that in the normal group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Over-expression of CCL20 and its receptor CCR6 were positively associated with IL-17,and all three were involved in the occurrence and development of oral lichen planus.