Immunoexpression of the HLA-DR class II molecule in cells from inflamed dental pulp.

Background: Despite that the role of inflammatory cells in chronic inflammatory reactions of pulpal origin (CIRPOs) has been extensively studied, function of the HLA-DR+ cells (HLA-DR+ Cs) is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to quantify their number and clarify their role in these lesions.

Methods: We studied 11 CIRPOs immunostained with an anti-HLA-DR class II monoclonal antibody and the number and location of the HLA-DR+ Cs quantified.