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The T cell receptor in normal and inflamed human conjunctiva
S H Soukiasian1, B Rice, C S Foster
1Immunology Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|February 1, 1992
Summary
T-cell receptor gamma/delta lymphocytes are found in low numbers in normal conjunctiva but significantly increase in ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, an autoimmune disorder. This suggests a specific role for these T cells in certain eye inflammation and autoimmunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha/beta heterodimers are dominant on human peripheral blood and lymphoid T cells.
- TCR gamma/delta lymphocytes are a minor subset in humans but prevalent in certain tissues and species, suggesting specialized roles.
- A role for TCR gamma/delta lymphocytes in autoimmunity has been recently proposed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and potential role of TCR gamma/delta lymphocytes in normal and inflamed human conjunctiva.
- To compare the distribution of TCR gamma/delta cells in healthy conjunctiva versus conjunctiva affected by ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC).
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of conjunctival tissues from normal individuals, OCP patients, and AKC patients.
- Quantification of TCR gamma/delta expressing cells in the epithelium and substantia propria.
- Assessment of TCR gamma/delta cells as a percentage of CD3+ cells.
Main Results:
- Normal human conjunctiva predominantly expresses TCR alpha/beta T cells, with minimal tropism of TCR gamma/delta lymphocytes.
- A statistically significant increase in both the absolute number and proportion of TCR gamma/delta cells was observed in the conjunctiva of OCP patients compared to normal controls.
- No significant increase in TCR gamma/delta cells was found in AKC patients.
Conclusions:
- TCR gamma/delta lymphocytes exhibit specific tropism to inflamed conjunctiva in OCP, suggesting a role in this autoimmune disorder.
- These findings indicate a potential, yet undefined, role for TCR gamma/delta lymphocytes in specific conjunctival inflammatory conditions and autoimmunity.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise function of TCR gamma/delta lymphocytes in ocular autoimmune diseases.