Differential expression of T cell receptor variable beta genes on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells: influence by sex linked...

We examined the expression of seven V alpha or V beta T cell receptor (TCR) segments on human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Confirming previously published results, we found a preferential expression of four V segment gene products on CD4+ T cells. One of these markers (V beta 6.7) was constantly expressed on more CD4+ T cells than CD8+ T cells. None of the analyzed blood samples showed a complete deletion of T cells expressing a particular V beta gene segment. In addition, our data provide the first evidence that genes on sex chromosomes may influence the formation of the human T cell repertoire. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells expressing V beta 12 gene products was always > or = 1 in female donors, whereas approximately 30% male donors exhibited more CD8+V beta 12+ T cells than CD4+V beta 12+ T cells.