Characterization of τ δ TCR in T Cell Clones from Small Intestine of Coeliac Disease Patients

Abstract

We have isolated T cell lines and clones from jejunal intestinal biopsies and peripheral blood of 7 coeliac disease (CD) patients, and 5 controls. T cells, expanded in the presence of PHA, rhIL-2 and feeder cells, were stained with the following mAbs: TR66 (anti-CD3), BMA032 (anti-αβ TCR), δ1 (anti-δ chain), δTCS1 (anti-Vδ1/Jδ1), BB3 (anti-Vδ2), TiτA (anti-Vτ9), C4-4All (anti-Vτ4), anti-CD4, and anti-CD8. The analysis of T cell lines showed that τ δ+ cells are increased in the gut of CD patients (range 15–52%) when compared to the controls (3–15%). Vδ1 was the most represented Vδ chain (47–76% of total τ δ cells), while Vδ2 was always below 21%. Vδ1 and Vδ2 negative τ δ cells were 11–42%. Vτ9 ranged from 18–68%, while Vτ4 varied between 14 and 41%. On the contrary, gut-τ δ cells derived from controls showed a higher variability in the Vδ and Vτ gene usage.