Age-associated decrease of CD1d protein production in normal human skin

Background CD1d belongs to a family of antigen-presenting molecules structurally related to the classical major histocompatibility complex class I proteins. Methods To examine the expression pattern of CD1d protein in normal human skin with ageing. Twenty normal human skin biopsy specimens were obtained from 20 healthy individuals. The latter were divided into three age groups: children (5-20 years), adults (21-50 years) and the elderly (51-81 years). The intensity of CD1d protein production was examined in human skin using immunofluorescent and immunoalkalinephosphatase staining methods. Results In the epidermis, CD1d protein production was strong in the skin of the children and declined gradually with age, being moderate in adults and weak in the elderly. As compared with values in children, there was a statistically significant decrease (P < 0.05) in CD1d protein production in the elderly. In the dermis, CD1d protein production was strong in the fibroblasts, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, blood vessels and hair follicles regardless of age. Conclusions Our study reports a decreased CD1d protein production in normal human skin with ageing. The clinical ramifications of these observations mandate further investigations.