Bimodal distribution of V beta 2+CD4+ T cells in human peripheral blood

The distribution of T cells using the V beta 2 gene was studied in a group of 99 humans. The distribution of V beta 2+CD4+ levels was bimodal. Twelve individuals had levels of V beta 2+CD4+ less than 2% and 86 others had values greater than 5%. Only one individual had a value between 2% and 5%. The V beta 2 low (mean 1.3 +/- 0.49) and V beta 2 high (mean 8.2 +/- 1.65) phenotypes were stable. The V beta 2 low phenotype is inherited and not limited to HLA or T cell receptor V beta gene complexes. The CD8V beta 2 levels of CD4V beta 2 low individuals are also low. The residual V beta 2+ T cells in V beta 2 low individuals were not anergic to V beta 2-specific stimulation. These data are compatible with the effects of an endogenous superantigen.