Congratulations to FECRI scientists Professor George Kannourakis and Dr Jenee Mitchell who have published research into Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH)- ‘Does CD1a expression influence T cell function in patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis?’ in Frontiers in Immunology.
LCH is a cancer-like disease that can occur in any organ of the body, mostly affecting infants and children but can also occur in adults. Infiltration of lesions to the liver, spleen and hematological system can cause serious organ damage. Approximately 50% of all patients experience recurrence following treatment with steroids and chemotherapy. Involvement of the central nervous system can also occur, and a progressive permanent neurodegeneration may develop.
Improved treatment options are needed, and better understanding the role of the immune system in LCH will enable this. Given the high expression of CD1a in LCH lesions, we think this molecule may play an important role in disease progression.
This article reviews what is currently known about the expression of CD1a in LCH and highlights a potential role for T cells that recognise this molecule in the progression of LCH.
These findings build on our current understanding of LCH and can lead to improvements in patients’ overall wellbeing and better outcomes.
To read the research paper please click here.
