Increased T-cell receptor vbeta2 chain expression in skin homing lymphocytes in psoriasis

Studies have shown over-representation of certain T-cell receptor (TCR) Vbeta chains in lesional psoriatic skin, implying selection or expansion, possibly by bacterial superantigen. We investigated the pattern of TCR Vbeta chain usage in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) bearing the skin homing receptor cutaneous lymphocyte associated antigen (CLA) in psoriasis patients. Results showed increased expression of TCR Vbeta2 in CLA-positive PBL in psoriasis patients (n = 15) compared with normals (n = 10); P < 0.002. As Vbeta2 is preferentially expressed by lymphocytes responding to certain bacterial superantigens, this study could possibly indicate a role for superantigens in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.