INTEGRATING IMMUNOLOGICAL INSIGHTS INTO THE ETIOPATHOGENESIS WITH CLINICAL REPRESENTATION AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR ORAL LICHEN PLANUS

PRAVEEN MANI; GURUBARAN SIVANATHAN; SANJAI RAJAGOPAL; NIKAM KSHITIJA DILIP; KOUSALYA SELVARAJ

doi:10.22159/ajpcr.2025v18i2.53995

Authors

PRAVEEN MANI Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0667-6656
GURUBARAN SIVANATHAN Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India
SANJAI RAJAGOPAL Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India.
NIKAM KSHITIJA DILIP Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India.
KOUSALYA SELVARAJ Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2025v18i2.53995

Keywords:

Autoimmune mucosal condition, corticosteroid therapy, histopathological features, malignant transformation potential, oral lichen planus, T-cell-mediated pathogenesis

Abstract

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is an immune-mediated, chronic mucosal condition that has been associated with malignant transformation in certain cases. In this review, we will explore more about the etiopathogenesis of OLP, including immunological parameters, genetic aspects, and environmental influences, which are the major important reasons for the development of lesions in the oral cavity. A key player in OLP pathogenesis is the T cell-mediated autoimmune attack, which leads to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte recruitment and basal keratinocyte apoptosis. OLP risk is also associated with genetic predisposition, e.g., certain Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) alleles and cytokine gene polymorphisms. Environmental aspects: Factors from the environment, such as psychological stress and some medications are also involved in disease worsening. This interplay creates a spectrum of immunological milieu, resulting in clinical and histopathological features. This review also evaluates the clinical presentation, histopathologic characteristics, and diagnostic methods of OLP as well as contemporary management options. In conclusion, we also discuss the severity, indication, and prevention of OLP.

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