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Isolation of Double Negative αβ T Cells from the Kidney
Published on: May 16, 2014
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[Double-negative αβ T lymphocytes: What are the etiological considerations?]
Paul Dalmas1, Clara Fontenaille1, Sylvie Cointe2
1Département de médecine interne, hôpital de la Timone, AP-HM, Aix-Marseille université, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France.
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|December 3, 2025
Summary
Double-negative T lymphocytes (CD3+CD4-CD8-TCRαβ+) can indicate serious illness. Their abnormal elevation in a patient led to the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, a type of bile duct cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Double-negative T lymphocytes (CD3+CD4-CD8-TCRαβ+) are rare in healthy individuals.
- Abnormal elevations of these cells can signal pathological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case where investigating double-negative T lymphocyte proliferation led to a cancer diagnosis.
- To explore the potential link between T cell abnormalities and malignancy.
Main Methods:
- A patient presented with general health decline and elevated double-negative αβ T lymphocytes.
- Imaging (CT, PET) revealed suspicious intrahepatic masses, enlarged lymph nodes, and peritoneal nodules.
- Biopsy confirmed cholangiocarcinoma.
Main Results:
- Monoclonal proliferation of double-negative αβ T lymphocytes was identified (28% of T cells).
- Imaging studies indicated advanced malignancy with widespread involvement.
- Histopathology confirmed cholangiocarcinoma.
Conclusions:
- The investigation of double-negative T lymphocyte proliferation facilitated the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma.
- A hypothesis suggests tumor-associated antigens may have selected for this specific T cell clone.
