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).