BACKGROUND: CD1d belongs to a family of antigen-presenting molecules structurally related to the classical major histocompatibility complex class I proteins. OBJECTIVES: To examine the expression pattern of CD1d protein in normal human skin with ageing. METHODS: Twenty normal human skin biopsy specimens were obtained from 20 healthy individuals. The latter were divided into three age groups: children (5-20 years), adults (21-50 years) and the elderly (51-81 years). The intensity of CD1d protein production was examined in human skin using immunofluorescent and immunoalkalinephosphatase staining methods. RESULTS: In the epidermis, CD1d protein production was strong in the skin of the children and declined gradually with age, being moderate in adults and weak in the elderly. As compared with values in children, there was a statistically significant decrease (P
