Ifn-Γ And Cd8+ T Cell-Dependent Olp Mouse Model

To develop a mouse model mimicking oral lichen planus (OLP) for investigating disease mechanisms and evaluating therapeutic interventions, addressing the lack of suitable models for this recalcitrant inflammatory disease with malignant potential. 10–14-week-old male and female langerin-DTA mice were housed under pathogen-free conditions. An OLP-like mouse model was established using topical oxazolone to induce a delayed-type hypersensitivity-mediated oral lichenoid reaction. The study was conducted over a 2-week period. Histological and transcriptional analyses were performed to assess CD8+ T cell infiltration, basal cell damage, and gene expression profiles. Functional studies evaluated the role of IFN-γ and Langerhans cells in disease progression. Therapeutic potential of JAK inhibitors (baricitinib and ruxolitinib) was tested. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional Ethics Committee. The model recapitulated key OLP features, including CD8+ T cell infiltration, basal keratinocyte apoptosis, and IFN-γ-driven immunopathology. Langerhans cell absence exacerbated disease severity. JAK inhibitors significantly mitigated disease severity, highlighting their therapeutic potential. This novel mouse model replicates OLP immunopathology, offering a robust platform for studying pathogenesis and testing new therapies, with JAK inhibitors emerging as promising candidates.