Diagnostic utility of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in dermatopathology

Differentiating cutaneous diseases that mimic each other clinically and histopathologically can at times be a challenging task for the dermatopathologist. At same time, differentiation of entities with overlapping features may crucial patient management. Although not seen in normal skin, plasmacytoid dendritic cells usually infiltrate skin several infectious, inflammatory/autoimmune neoplastic entities. Plasmacytoid identified tissue using specific markers such as CD123 and/or blood-derived cell antigen-2. are most potent producers type I interferons their activity therefore assessed indirectly human myxovirus resistance protein A, surrogate marker interferon production. In recent years, accumulating evidence has established utility evaluating cell-related parameters (plasmacytoid content, distribution clustering and/ or A expression) diagnostic tool differentiating alopecias, lupus its mimics, this review, we provide an update on current topic contexts where useful adjunct to reach histopathological diagnosis.