HLA antigens in patients with lichen planus.

HLA-ABC antigens were determined in 89 patients with biopsy-confirmed lichen planus, and the HLA antigen frequencies were compared with those in 1967 controls. The younger patients were predominantly male, the older patients predominantly female. No significant association was found between HLA types and lichen planus in this study. A slightly greater incidence of HLA-A3 and B5 antigens was seen, but this increased frequency was not as pronounced as reported by others. When combined, available data on HLA and lichen planus indicate a slightly, but significantly, increased frequency of HLA-A3. None of the HLA antigens known to be associated with insulin-dependent diabetes are associated with lichen planus.