Open AccessIncrease of circulating γ/δ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of patients affected by active inflammatory bowel disease
Author(s) -
GIACOMELLI R.,
PARZANESE I.,
FRIERI G.,
PASSACANTANDO A.,
PIZZUTO F.,
PIMPO T.,
CIPRIANI P.,
VISCIDO A.,
CAPRILLI R.,
TONIETTI G.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
clinical & experimental immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.329
H-Index - 135
eISSN - 1365-2249
pISSN - 0009-9104
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2249.1994.tb06611.x
Subject(s) - pathogenesis , t cell receptor , cd8 , immunology , t cell , inflammatory bowel disease , cd16 , cd3 , receptor , peripheral , inflammation , peripheral blood , medicine , disease , biology , antigen , immune system
SUMMARY In order to study the role of γ/δ T cells in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans, we measured the percentage of these cells in the peripheral blood, assessed the ratio of the non‐disulphide‐linked (δTCS1) type of T cell receptor (TCR) in the total γ/δ T cells, studied the co‐expression of γ/δ TCR and accessory molecules CDS and CD 16, and compared these data with both the type and the activity of the disease. Percentage levels and absolute numbers of γ/δ + T cells were higher in active patients than in controls ( P < 0·05), mainly as a result of an increase of Vδ1 + (δTCS1) T cell subset ( P < 0·05). This trend was strongly retained independently of disease activity and clinical picture. An increased percentage of TCRδ1 + /CD16 + cells was observed in our patients compared with controls ( P < 0·05). In contrast, no difference was observed as far as the TCRδ1 + /CD8 + cells were concerned. These results suggest that IBD is associated with an expansion of γ/δ T cells in peripheral blood, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of these disorders.