Abstract: Objective: To determine the relationship between the surface molecules of langerhans cells (LC) and recurrence of condyloma acuminatum (CA). Methods: The expression of CD1a, S100 and HLA-DR of LC was measured by immunohistochemical technique, and their semi-quantities were analyzed by graphic software in skin samples of control group, primary CA group and recurrent CA group. Results: In control group, primary CA group and recurrent CA group, the IOD of immunohistochemical staining of CD1a were 7644.84±2865.10, 4075.62±2410.39 and 2308.08±1256.34; The IOD of S100 were 4400.34±2962.29, 1815.78±1013.35 and 1414.46±1337.13. The staining intensity of CD1a and S100 in CA decreased significantly when compared with control group (P<0.05), with an even more decrease in the recurrent CA group. The IOD of HLA-DR were 583.91±592.85, 2262.87±2983.09 and 1191.75±1698.36 in the three groups respectively. The staining intensity of HLA-DR was increased in primary and recurrent CA groups, when compared with control group, but the expression in recurrent group decreased when compared with primary group. Conclusion: After infection of HPV, immune escape will occure and lead to the persistence and recurrence of CA.

Key words: Condyloma acuminatum, human papillomavirus, immunohistochemical staining, langerhans cells