[Analysis of the T cell receptor Vdelta region gene repertoire in asthmatic subjects].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of gammadelta T cells in the asthmatic airway inflammation and identify the forces which induce and maintain the inflammatory process. METHODS: Peripheral blood (PB) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were obtained from seven asthmatic subjects and seven nonsmoking control subjects. The percentage of gammadelta T cells in PB and BALF were measured by immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry, the frequency of usage and the clonality of Vdelta subfamilies (Vdelta(1) approximately Vdelta(3)) were assessed by RT-PCR and gene scanning. RESULTS: Higher proportion of gammadelta T cell was detected in the BALF of asthmatic subjects [(7.8 +/- 4.7)%] than that from control subjects [(3.3 +/- 3.0)%] (P < 0.05) and the relative expression level of Vdelta(1) significantly higher in the asthmatic airway [(44 +/- 13)%] than in the control group [(19 +/- 5)%] (P = 0.002). In asthmatic subjects, the monoclonal or oligoclonal expansion of gammadelta T lymphocytes was predominant in BALF, especially Vdelta(1) T lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Antigenic specific gammadelta T cells might play important roles in the inducement and maintenance of airway inflammation.