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T-cell receptor delta-chain diversity in peripheral lymphocytes
M J Lacy1, L K McNeil, M E Roth
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801.
Summary
Peripheral gamma delta T cells show extensive diversity, similar to thymic cells. This suggests a broad antigen recognition capacity in the immune system, comparable to alpha beta T cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- T-cell biology
Background:
- Adult thymus contains gamma delta T cells with diverse receptors, but their function and specificity remain unclear.
- The role of gamma delta T cells in immune system selection within the thymus versus peripheral antigen recognition is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diversity of gamma delta T cells in the peripheral lymphoid system.
- To compare the clonal diversity of peripheral gamma delta T cells with that of thymic gamma delta T cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify delta-chain transcripts.
- Analyzed nucleotide sequences of delta chains from polyclonal thymic and splenic lymphocytes.
Main Results:
- Nucleotide sequences of splenic delta chains were highly diverse, mirroring the diversity found in thymic cells.
- Diversity arose from variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) gene segments, with base additions/deletions at junctions.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral gamma delta T cells exhibit extensive repertoire diversity, suggesting a broad ligand recognition potential.
- This diversity is comparable to that of alpha beta T cells, indicating a significant role in adaptive immunity.