CD57⁺ cells in radicular cyst

Abstract

AIM: As CD57 antigen is an important modulator of the immune system, the purpose of the present study was to compare the expression of this antigen on radicular cysts (RC) with hyperplastic or atrophic epithelium. METHODOLOGY: Twenty cases of RC were retrieved and classified as atrophic or hyperplastic. A biotin-streptavidin amplified system was used for identification of the CD57 receptor. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a greater percentage of CD57+ cells in RC with atrophic epithelium compared to hyperplastic epithelium. CONCLUSION: As the expression of CD57 is indicative of immunosuppression, it may constitute a negative immunomodulator of RC's epithelium growth. Further studies are necessary to understand the importance of this cell to the biological activity or inactivity of RC's epithelium development.