Interleukin-2 Expression in Lupoid and Usual Types of Old World Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

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).