Mice lacking the CCR9 CC-chemokine receptor show a mild impairment of early T- and B-cell development and a reduction in T-cell receptor gammadelta(+) gut intraepithelial lymphocytes.

CC chemokine receptor (CCR) 9, the receptor for the CC-chemokine CCL25/thymus-expressed chemokine (TECK), is mainly expressed by thymocytes and by intraepithelial (IEL) and lamina propria lymphocytes of the small intestine. To study the biologic role of CCR9, a mouse strain was generated in which the CCR9 gene was deleted. In spite of the high level of CCR9 found in double- and single-positive thymocytes and of the expression of its corresponding ligand on thymic stromal cells, CCR9 deletion had no major effect on intrathymic T-cell development. It was noted that there was only a one-day lag in the appearance of double-positive cells during fetal ontogeny in CCR9(-/-) thymi. When tested in chemotaxis assay, thymocytes isolated from CCR9(-/-) mice failed to respond to TECK/CCL25. Taken together, these results suggest that in thymocytes, CCR9 is the only physiologic receptor for TECK/CCL25, and that it is dispensable for proper T-cell development. Bone marrow pre-pro-B cells migrate in response to TECK/CCL25, but more mature B cells do not. Consistent with this observation, it was shown that there are fewer pre-pro-B cells in CCR9(-/-) mice than in wild-type mice. However, this diminution does not appear to have a detectable effect on the generation of a normal complement of mature B cells. Finally, it was shown that in the small intestine of CCR9-deficient mice, the intraepithelial T-cell-to-epithelial cell ratio is decreased, an observation that can be accounted for by a marked diminution of the T-cell receptor gammadelta(+) compartment.

Contribution of double-negative thymic precursors to CD8alpha alpha (+) intraepithelial lymphocytes of the gut in mice bearing TCR transgenes.

Using male and female RAG(-/-) mutant mice expressing TCR transgenes specific for MHC class I- or II-presented HY peptides, we performed quantitative and phenotypic comparisons between the TCR(+) lymphocytes present in the lymphoid organs and the gut mucosa in euthymic versus athymic (nude) animals. These comparisons suggest that only a minority of the TCR(+) CD8alpha alpha (+) intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) of the transgenic euthymic mice originate from hematopoietic precursors acquiring a TCR in the gut wall, while a majority of these CD8alpha alpha(+) IEL appear to be of thymic origin (as were all TCR(+) CD8alpha beta (+) or CD4(+) in any location); these last cells are released from the thymus as double-negative thymocytes, which are at a more immature stage (CD44(+)CD25(+)) in female mice than in males (CD44(-)). In view of previous observations that in non-transgenic athymic mice the CD8alpha alpha (+) TCR(+) IEL populations are also markedly reduced quantitatively, the possibility of a thymic contribution to these ontogenically peculiar populations may also exist in normal mice. At which stage of differentiation such precursors might leave the thymus of normal adult mice remains to be explored.

Common cytokine receptor gamma chain (gammac)-deficient B cells persist in T cell-deficient gammac-mice and respond to a T-independent antigen.

Defects in the common cytokine receptor gamma chain (gammac) in man result in X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCIDX1) characterized by an absence of alphabeta T cells, gammadelta T cells and NK cells, with the presence of circulating B cells. Mice made deficient for gammac lack gammadelta T cells and NK cells, but in contrast to SCIDX1 patients have appreciable numbers of alphabeta T cells, while B cells are reduced about tenfold in numbers and disappear with age. Here we show that when gammac- mice are rendered T cell deficient, B cell numbers are still reduced but the age-dependent loss of B cells does not occur. The peripheral B cells which persisted in gammac-/ nude and gammac-/TCRbeta-/- mice were able to respond to mitogen stimulation in vitro and to mount antigen-specific T-independent Ig responses in vivo. These results demonstrate that gammac- B cells are functionally competent and suggest that residual alphabeta T cells are implicated in the B cell loss in gammac mice. The gammac-/nude and gammac-/TCRbeta-/- mice provide new models to dissect the role of gammac-dependent receptors during murine B cell differentiation.

A new look at Syk in alpha beta and gamma delta T cell development using chimeric mice with a low competitive hematopoietic environment.

The Syk protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) is essential for B, but not T or NK, cell development, although certain T cell subsets (i.e., gamma delta T cells of intestine and skin) appear to be dependent on Syk. In this report, we have re-evaluated the role of Syk in T cell development in hematopoietic chimeras generated by using Syk-deficient fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells (FL-HSC). We found that Syk-/- FL-HSC were vastly inferior to wild-type FL-HSC in reconstituting T cell development in recombinant-activating gene 2 (RAG2)-deficient mice, identifying an unexpected and nonredundant role for Syk in this process. This novel function of Syk in T cell development was mapped to the CD44-CD25+ stage. According to previous reports, development of intestinal gamma delta T cells was arrested in Syk-/- -->RAG2-/- chimeras. In striking contrast, when hosts were the newly established alymphoid RAG2 x common cytokine receptor gamma-chain (RAG2/gamma c) mice, Syk-/- chimeras developed intestinal gamma delta T cells as well as other T cell subsets (including alpha beta T cells, NK1.1+ alpha beta T cells, and splenic and thymic gamma delta T cells). However, all Syk-deficient T cell subsets were reduced in number, reaching about 25-50% of controls. These results attest to the utility of chimeric mice generated in a low competitive hematopoietic environment to evaluate more accurately the impact of lethal mutations on lymphoid development. Furthermore, they suggest that Syk intervenes in early T cell development independently of ZAP-70, and demonstrate that Syk is not essential for the intestinal gamma delta T cell lineage to develop.

Stable and functional lymphoid reconstitution of common cytokine receptor gamma chain deficient mice by retroviral-mediated gene transfer.

Mutations in the gene encoding the common cytokine receptor gamma chain (gamma(c)) are responsible for human X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCIDX1). We have used a gamma(c)-deficient mouse model to test the feasibility and potential toxicity of gamma(c) gene transfer as a therapy for SCIDX1. A retrovirus harboring the murine gamma(c) chain was introduced into gamma(c)-deficient bone marrow cells, which were then transplanted into alymphoid RAG2/gamma(c) double-deficient recipient mice. Circulating lymphocytes appeared 4 weeks postgraft and achieved steady-state levels by 8 weeks. The mature lymphocytes present in the grafted mice had integrated the gamma(c) transgene, expressed gamma(c) transcripts, and were able to proliferate in response to gamma(c)-dependent cytokines. The gamma(c)-transduced animals demonstrated (1) normal levels of immunoglobulin subclasses, including immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG2a (which are severely decreased in gamma(c)(-) mice); (2) the ability to mount an antigen-specific, T-dependent antibody response showing effective in vivo T-B cell cooperation, and (3) the presence of gut-associated cryptopatches and intraepithelial lymphocytes. Importantly, peripheral B and T cells were still present 47 weeks after a primary graft, and animals receiving a secondary graft of gamma(c)-transduced bone marrow cells demonstrated peripheral lymphoid reconstitution. That gamma(c) gene transfer to hematopoietic precursor cells can correct the immune system abnormalities in gamma(c)(-) mice supports the feasibility of in vivo retroviral gene transfer as a treatment for human SCIDX1.

Selective expansion of intraepithelial lymphocytes expressing the HLA-E-specific natural killer receptor CD94 in celiac disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Celiac disease is a gluten-induced enteropathy characterized by the presence of gliadin-specific CD4(+) T cells in the lamina propria and by a prominent intraepithelial T-cell infiltration of unknown mechanism. The aim of this study was to characterize the subset(s) of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) expanding during active celiac disease to provide insights into the mechanisms involved in their expansion. METHODS: Flow-cytometric analysis of isolated IELs and/or immunohistochemical staining of frozen sections were performed in 51 celiac patients and 50 controls with a panel of monoclonal antibodies against T-cell and natural killer (NK) receptors. In addition, in vitro studies were performed to identify candidate stimuli for NK receptor expression. RESULTS: In normal intestine, different proportions of IELs, which were mainly T cells, expressed the NK receptors CD94/NKG2, NKR-P1A, KIR2D/3D, NKp46, Pen5, or CD56. During the active phase of celiac disease, the frequency of CD94(+) IELs, which were mostly alphabeta T cells, was conspicuously increased over controls. In contrast, the expression of other NK markers was not modified. Furthermore, expression of CD94 could be selectively induced in vitro by T-cell receptor activation and/or interleukin 15, a cytokine produced by intestinal epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: The gut epithelium favors the development of T cells that express NK receptors. In active celiac disease, there is a specific and selective increase of IELs expressing CD94, the HLA-E-specific NK receptor that may be related to T-cell receptor activation and/or interleukin 15 secretion.

Identical T cell clones are located within the mouse gut epithelium and lamina propia and circulate in the thoracic duct lymph.

Murine gut intraepithelial (IEL) T cell receptor (TCR)-alpha/beta lymphocytes bearing CD8alpha/13 or CD8alpha/alpha coreceptors have been shown previously to express different oligoclonal TCR beta chain repertoires in the same mouse, in agreement with other evidence indicating that these two populations belong to different ontogenic lineages, with only CD8alpha/beta+ IELs being fully thymus dependent. CD8alpha/beta+, but not CD8alpha/alpha+, T lymphocytes are also present in the lamina propria. Here, we show that CD8alpha/beta+ lymphocytes from the lamina propria and the epithelium are both oligoclonal, and that they share the same TCR-beta clonotypes in the same mouse, as is also the case for CD4alpha T cells. Furthermore, identical T cell clones were detected among CD8alpha/beta IELs and CD8alpha/beta+ blasts circulating into the thoracic duct (TD) lymph of the same mouse, whereas TD small lymphocytes are polyclonal. These findings must be considered in light of previous observations showing that T blasts, but not small T lymphocytes, circulating in the TD lymph have the capacity of homing into the gut epithelium and lamina propria. These combined observations have interesting implications for our understanding of the recirculation of gut thymus-dependent lymphocytes and their precursors, and of the events leading up to the selection of their restricted TCR repertoire.

Protective effects of RU 41740, a bacterial immunomodulator, against experimental infections: induction of cytokine and immunoglobulin release in mice after oral administration.

RU 41740 (Biostim) is an immunomodulator extracted from Klebsiella pneumoniae (strain O1:K2). In humans, it is able to reduce the number and duration of infectious exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Using a mouse model of experimental infection, we found that oral RU 41740 administration strongly protected against gram-negative infections by preventing lethal septicemia, and, to a lesser extent, protected against the gram-positive intracellular pathogen L. monocytogenes. Oral administration of RU 41740 leads to the mobilization of newly dividing T and B cells in the thoracic duct lymph, reflecting the ability of the drug to induce an immune response in gut-associated lymphoid tissue. In cells isolated from mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen, RU 41740 leads to preferential release of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 and/or interferon (IFN)-gamma, as well as IL-10, a cytokine involved in inhibiting the synthesis of these latter cytokines. RU 41740 also increases the serum total immunoglobulin (Ig)M concentration and elicits IgM and IgG antibodies against the drug. Infection of mice with Klebsiella pneumoniae has similar functional consequences. Pretreatment of infected mice with RU 41740 leads to a fall in the high levels of proinflammatory cytokines (which could be detrimental), and to an increase in IgG antibodies (which are protective).

Selection and expansion of CD8alpha/alpha(1) T cell receptor alpha/beta(1) intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in the absence of both classical major histocompatibility complex class I and nonclassical CD1 molecules.

Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in mice include two main subsets of TCR-alpha/beta(1) cells which differ functionally and ontogenically from each other. One expresses the CD8alpha/alpha homodimer, whereas the other expresses the CD8alpha/beta heterodimer. Although the presence of all CD8(+)TCR-alpha/beta(1) IELs is dependent on beta2-microglobulin molecules, the nature of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules recognized by the CD8alpha/alpha and the CD8alpha/beta(1) subsets has remained elusive. Using mutant mice lacking the expression of both H2-K(b) and H2-D(b), we show that the CD8alpha/beta(1)TCR-alpha/beta(1) subset is dependent on K or D molecules, whereas the CD8alpha/alpha(1)TCR-alpha/beta(1) subset is independent of classical MHC class I molecules. Furthermore, the CD8alpha/alpha(1) cells are conserved in mice lacking expression of CD1, a nonclassical MHC class I-like molecule previously proposed to be a potential ligand for IELs. Using transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP)-deficient mice, this cell population can be further separated into a TAP-dependent and a TAP-independent subset, suggesting either the recognition of two nonclassical MHC-like molecules, only one of which is TAP dependent, or the involvement of a single nonclassical MHC-like molecule that is only partially TAP dependent. These findings demonstrate that CD8alpha/beta(1)TCR-alpha/beta(1) IELs are restricted by H-2K and H-2D molecules, whereas the unusual subset of CD8alpha/alpha(1)TCR-alpha/beta(1) resident IELs recognize nonclassical MHC class I-like molecules that are distinct from CD1.

Redundant role of the Syk protein tyrosine kinase in mouse NK cell differentiation.

Syk and ZAP-70 subserve nonredundant functions in B and T lymphopoiesis. In the absence of Syk, B cell development is blocked, while T cell development is arrested in the absence of ZAP-70. The receptors and the signaling molecules required for differentiation of NK cells are poorly characterized. Here we investigate the role of the Syk protein tyrosine kinase in NK cell differentiation. Hemopoietic chimeras were generated by reconstituting alymphoid (B-, T-, NK-) recombinase-activating gene-2 x common cytokine receptor gamma-chain double-mutant mice with Syk-/- fetal liver cells. The phenotypically mature Syk-/- NK cells that developed in this context were fully competent in natural cytotoxicity and in calibrating functional inhibitory receptors for MHC molecules. Syk-deficient NK cells demonstrated reduced levels of Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Nevertheless, Syk-/- NK cells could signal through NK1. 1 and 2B4 activating receptors and expressed ZAP-70 protein. We conclude that the Syk protein tyrosine kinase is not essential for murine NK cell development, and that compensatory signaling pathways (including those mediated through ZAP-70) may sustain most NK cell functions in the absence of Syk.

Natural killer and T cells of innate and adaptive immunity: lymphoid compartments with different requirements for common gamma chain-dependent cytokines.

A group of cytokines, including interleukin-2, -4, -7, -9 and -15, are related through the usage of a shared receptor subunit, the common cytokine receptor gamma chain, gamma c. gamma c-dependent cytokines critically affect the development and maintenance of the lymphoid system. This review will highlight our current knowledge on the gamma c-dependent cytokine network and on the non-redundant roles that these cytokines play in the development and homeostasis of T and natural killer cells involved in innate and adaptive immunity.

Small bowel enteropathy: role of intraepithelial lymphocytes and of cytokines (IL-12, IFN-gamma, TNF) in the induction of epithelial cell death and renewal.

The small bowel mucosa contains within its villus epithelium a large number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) which upon activation are cytotoxic and release large quantities of IFN-gamma and TNF; these activities are increased by in vitro exposure to IL-12. Mice injected with IL-12 develop severe damage of the villus epithelial cells, in form of apoptosis, necrosis and a third distinct form of cell death, characterized ultrastructurally by progressive cell shrinkage. These lesions are accompanied by a compensatory acceleration of the epithelial renewal, a hallmark of epithelial injury. Use of a variety of mutant mice showed that these lesions require the presence of IEL (all populations being involved, thymus-dependent as well as natural killer-T cell IEL) and the release of IFN-gamma. The critical role of IFN-gamma may result in part from its capacity to induce on epithelial cells the expression of target molecules involved in the different cytotoxic pathways used by IEL. However, injection of IFN-gamma into mutant mice lacking IEL showed that IFN-gamma can directly induce villus epithelial damage as well. On the other hand, injection of TNF induces fulminant apoptosis of villus epithelial cells, starting at the top of the villi; however TNF is not required for IL-12-induced enteropathy, which is unmodified in mutant mice lacking TNF. We propose that, when activated by their cognate ligands and/or IL-12 produced by cells in the lamina propria, IEL eliminate infected and senescent epithelial cells through a combination of cytotoxicity and of IFN-gamma and TNF release. This insures the rapid epithelial renewal of the villi, which in turn helps maintain the functional integrity of the barrier.

Abnormal intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in refractory sprue.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The etiology of refractory sprue is unclear. To gain insight into its pathogenesis, the phenotype and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement status of intestinal lymphocytes were analyzed in a group of patients with clinical or biological features of celiac disease but either initially or subsequently refractory to a gluten-free diet. METHODS: Intestinal biopsy specimens were obtained from 26 adults: 6 patients with refractory sprue, 7 patients with active celiac disease, and 13 normal controls. The phenotype of intestinal lymphocytes was studied by immunohistochemistry and, in 3 patients with refractory sprue, by cytometry of lymphocytes purified from intestinal biopsy specimens. TCR rearrangements were assessed by studying TCRgammaV-J junctional regions from DNA extracted from intestinal biopsy specimens and purified intestinal lymphocytes. RESULTS: In the 6 patients with refractory sprue, but not in normal controls or patients with active celiac disease, the intestinal epithelium was massively infiltrated by small lymphocytes that lacked CD8, CD4, and TCR, contained intracytoplasmic but not surface CD3epsilon chains, and exhibited restricted TCRgamma gene rearrangements. CONCLUSIONS: Refractory sprue is associated with an abnormal subset of intraepithelial lymphocytes containing CD3epsilon and restricted rearrangements of the TCRgamma chain but lacking surface expression of T-cell receptors.

Deregulated TCR alpha beta T cell population provokes extramedullary hematopoiesis in mice deficient in the common gamma chain.

Deficiency of the cytokine receptor common gamma chain (gamma c) results in abnormal lymphoid development and a severe immunodeficiency disease due to the combined loss of the receptors for interleukins (IL)-2, -4, -7, -9, and -15. We have observed the development of secondary hematopoiesis with circulating hematopoietic progenitor cells in adult mice harboring a null mutation in gamma c. These extramedullary changes were not secondary to bone marrow failure or to an inability to maintain circulating blood counts. These results suggested that gamma c-dependent cytokine signaling pathways modulate hematopoietic development. An intrinsic defect in gamma c- hematopoietic stem cell commitment appeared unlikely, as fetal liver hematopoiesis was unaltered in gamma c- embryos. Furthermore, the absence of natural killer cells in gamma c- mice was not responsible for the observed hematopoietic changes. Peripheral TCR alpha beta T cells from gamma c- mice were characterized by an activated phenotype (CD62Llo, CD44hi, CD69hi) and showed increased levels of transcripts for hematopoietic stimulating cytokines, including IL-3 and granulocyte/macrophage-colony-stimulating factor. A predominance of these cells was detected in the bone marrow, suggesting a role for residual T cells in the enhanced hematopoiesis. Strikingly, the elimination of residual T cells from gamma c- mice reduced splenic and circulating hematopoietic precursor frequencies to normal levels. These results clearly implicate a deregulated TCR alpha beta T cell population in the observed hematopoietic changes in gamma c- mice, and emphasize the importance of gamma c-dependent cytokine interactions in modulating mature T cell responses.

Complexity of the mouse gut T cell immune system: identification of two distinct natural killer T cell intraepithelial lineages.

Gut thymo-dependent (CD8 alpha + beta + or CD4+) or -independent (CD8 alpha + beta -) intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) mediate cytotoxicity following T cell receptor (TCR)-CD3 signaling, but only TCR gamma delta + and alpha beta + thymo-independent IEL show cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity types. Moreover, TCR alpha beta + and gamma delta + thymo-independent IEL express NK receptors, and may therefore be referred to as NK-TIEL. NK-TIEL cytotoxicity is mediated through perforin, Fas, or both pathways. In contrast to that of other NK cells, this cytotoxicity is not negatively regulated by signals delivered through the recognition of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. Thus, gut IEL include T cell subsets with unique specificities and functions, ontogenically distinct from other T cell lineages, which may increase the antigenic repertoire diversity of the immune system participating in the defense of the epithelial barrier.

Critical role for the common cytokine receptor gamma chain in intrathymic and peripheral T cell selection.

The common cytokine receptor gamma chain (gammac), which is a functional subunit of the receptors for interleukins (IL)-2, -4, -7, -9, and -15, plays an important role in lymphoid development. Inactivation of this molecule in mice leads to abnormal T cell lymphopoiesis characterized by thymic hypoplasia and reduced numbers of peripheral T cells. To determine whether T cell development in the absence of gammac is associated with alterations of intrathymic and peripheral T cell selection, we have analyzed gammac-deficient mice made transgenic for the male-specific T cell receptor (TCR) HY (HY/gammac- mice). In HY/gammac- male mice, negative selection of autoreactive thymocytes was not diminished; however, peripheral T cells expressing transgenic TCR-alpha and -beta chains (TCR-alphaT/betaT) were absent, and extrathymic T cell development was completely abrogated. In HY/gammac- female mice, the expression of the transgenic TCR partially reversed the profound thymic hypoplasia observed in nontransgenic gammac- mice, generating increased numbers of thymocytes in all subsets, particularly the TCR-alphaT/betaT CD8+ single-positive thymocytes. Despite efficient positive selection, however, naive CD8+ TCR-alphaT/betaT T cells were severely reduced in the peripheral lymphoid organs of HY/gammac- female mice. These results not only underscore the indispensible role of gammac in thymocyte development, but also demonstrate the critical role of gammac in the maintenance and/or expansion of peripheral T cell pools.

Extrathymic T cell differentiation.

In the mouse, the gut mucosa is a major site of extrathymic differentiation of T cells. Recent data in this past year show that this process differs from the main thymic differentiation pathway not only in its location, but also in its use of costimulatory molecules, signal transduction modules, and mechanisms of repertoire selection. The thymus exerts an influence on the expansion of the extrathymically differentiated gut intraepithelial lymphocytes that appears to be varied in nature, including acting as a source of TCR- progenitors. All gut intraepithelial lymphocytes, whatever their extrathymic or thymic site of differentiation, have common features of activated and specialized cytotoxic cells. Other T cells may differentiate extrathymically, in particular in the liver; these later cells appear to have a very restricted, probably autoreactive repertoire, and also display natural killer cell features.

Lymphoid development in mice with a targeted deletion of the interleukin 2 receptor gamma chain.

The interleukin 2 receptor gamma chain (IL-2R gamma) is a component of the receptors for IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, and IL-15. Mutations in IL-2R gamma in man appear responsible for the X chromosome-linked immunodeficiency SCIDX1, characterized by a defect in T-cell and natural killer (NK)-cell differentiation with the presence of poorly functioning B cells. To explore at which level IL-2R gamma affects lymphoid development in vivo, we have analyzed mice derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells with mutant IL-2R gamma loci generated by Cre/loxP-mediated recombination. In the peripheral blood of chimeric animals, lymphoid cells derived from IL-2R gamma- ES cells were not detected, although control ES cells carrying an IL-2R gamma gene with embedded loxP sites gave rise to T-, B-, and NK-cell lineages. Germline IL-2R gamma-deficient male animals, however, developed some mature splenic B and T cells, although the absolute number of lymphocytes was almost 10-fold reduced. In contrast, there was a complete disappearance of NK cells (over 350-fold reduction). Development of gut-associated intraepithelial lymphocytes was also severely diminished, and Peyer's patches were not detected. In vitro mitogenic responses of thymocytes, IL-4-directed immunoglobulin class switch of splenocytes, and NK activity were defective. Thus, IL-2R gamma facilitates mainstream B- and T-cell generation and function and also appears to be essential for NK-cell development.

Oligoclonal repertoire of the CD8 alpha alpha and the CD8 alpha beta TCR-alpha/beta murine intestinal intraepithelial T lymphocytes: evidence for the random emergence of T cells.

The epithelium of the small intestine in normal euthymic mice contains a large number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), some of which bear a T cell receptor alpha/beta (TCR-alpha/beta). About half of these TCR-alpha/beta IEL display the CD8 alpha alpha phenotype and the remaining have the CD8 alpha beta or the CD4 phenotypes. To examine whether TCR-alpha/beta IEL have a TCR-beta chain repertoire as diverse as that of TCR-alpha/beta lymph node lymphocytes (LNL), we used a recently described PCR technique that allows a global analysis of the TCR-beta chain repertoire. Within any given mouse, the repertoires expressed in both CD8 alpha alpha and CD8 alpha beta TCR-alpha/beta IEL populations are oligoclonal and nonoverlapping between the two subsets. The clones are largely conserved through the length of the small intestine of the same individual. However, genetically identical individuals raised under indistinguishable environmental conditions display distinct oligoclonal repertoires. Those findings indicate that few cells of CD8 alpha alpha or of the CD8 alpha beta phenotype are responsible for the repopulation of the intestinal epithelium.