CXCR3-ligand-mediated skin inflammation in cutaneous lichenoid graft-versus-host disease.

Background Lichenoid graft-versus-host disease (liGVHD) histologically shares several common features with other lichenoid dermatoses, such as cutaneous lupus erythematosus and lichen planus (LP), which collectively show a junctional infiltrate of cytotoxic lymphocytes with liquefaction of the basal layer ("interface dermatitis"). Because recent studies have shown a role for type I interferon (IFN)–associated inflammation, including lymphocyte recruitment via CXCR3 ligand interaction in cutaneous lupus erythematosus and LP, we hypothesized that similar mechanisms might also be involved in liGVHD. Methods Ten representative lesional skin biopsies taken from patients with different subsets of…