CD57(+) cells in radicular cyst

Aim As CD57 antigen is an important modulator of the immune system, the pur pose of the present study was to compare the expression of this antigen on radicular cysts (RC) with hyperplastic or atrophic epithelium. Methodology Twenty cases of RC were retrieved and classified as atrophic or hyperplasti c. A biotin-streptavidin amplified system was used for identification of th e CD57 receptor. Results The results demonstrated a greater percentage of C D57(+) cells in RC with atrophic epithelium compared to hyperplastic epithe lium, Conclusion As the expression of CD57 is indicative of immunosuppressi on, it may constitute a negative immunomodulator of RC's epithelium growth. Further studies are necessary to understand the importance of this cell to the biological activity or inactivity of RC's epithelium development.