Research progress on OX40/OX40L axis mediated T cell immunity in the course of oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common chronic disease of the oral mucosa with unclear pathogenesis. Local infiltration of T cells plays a key role in the pathological process of OLP. Increased evidence supports the notion that the imbalance of helper T cells (Th) 1/Th2 and Th17/regulatory T cells (Treg) and their related cytokines is closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of OLP. In recent years, studies have shown that OX40 (CD134) and its ligand OX40L (CD252) play an important role in the process of the T-cell immune response. They participate in the balance regulation of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg, mediate the imbalance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory, and affect the occurrence and development of a variety of autoimmune diseases. However, there is no direct evidence that the OX40/OX40L axis mediates the imbalance of T-cell subsets in the pathogenesis of OLP. Therefore, large sample clinical as well as in vitro and in vivo experimental studies on the mechanism by which the OX40/OX40L axis regulates the balance of T-cell subsets in OLP are still needed in the future.