Expression of the Chemokine (C–C Motif) Ligand 5 (CCL5) in Oral Lichen Planus and Oral Lichenoid Lesions: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background

RANTES, a chemokine involved in regulating inflammatory responses, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including oral lichen planus (OLP). In this condition, the interaction between C–C motif ligand 5 (CCL5) and CC motif chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) may contribute to the destruction of basal keratinocytes and an imbalance of Th1 cells, leading to chronic inflammation.

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to evaluate expression of the CCL5 in the serum and relevant cell types of patients with oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs) compared to controls.

Methods

We searched the following databases: Medline (Ovid), CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Web of Science Core Collection, up to May 2026. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Joana Briggs Institute tools.

Results

Five studies (227 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicated a marked upregulation of CCL5 in the serum, T-lymphocytes, and fibroblasts of OLP/OLL patients compared to controls. However, these results were weakened by high risk of bias in statistical analysis, reporting, and confounding factors, along with significant heterogeneity in methodology and diagnostic criteria.

Conclusion

CCL5 may play a role in the pathogenesis of OLP/OLLs by promoting T-cell infiltration, correlating positively with disease severity, and presenting itself as a potential therapeutic target. However, the low-quality evidence due to the high risk of bias identified in the majority of included studies highlights the need for further research to confirm the immunomodulatory role of CCL5 in OLP/OLLs pathogenesis.