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Peripheral gamma delta T cell receptor-bearing lymphocytes are increased in children with celiac disease

T Klemola1, J Tarkkanen, T Ormälä

  • 1Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|May 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Celiac disease patients show increased gamma delta T cell receptor-bearing (TCR+) cells in blood and gut. This finding correlates peripheral and intestinal immune cell levels in celiac disease.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten ingestion.
  • Gamma delta T cells are a distinct lymphocyte subset involved in immune responses.
  • Altered immune cell populations are implicated in celiac disease pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify gamma delta T cell receptor-bearing (TCR+) cells in celiac disease patients.
  • To investigate changes in these cells during different dietary phases (pre-treatment, gluten-free, gluten challenge).
  • To correlate peripheral and intestinal gamma delta TCR+ cell levels.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry was used to analyze peripheral blood samples.
  • Immunohistochemical staining identified lymphocyte markers in jejunal biopsies.
  • Samples were collected from 13 children with celiac disease and 9 controls at various stages.

Main Results:

  • Patients with celiac disease exhibited significantly higher percentages of gamma delta TCR+ lymphocytes in both peripheral blood and jejunal mucosa compared to controls.
  • A significant positive correlation was observed between the proportion of gamma delta TCR+ cells in peripheral blood and their density in the jejunal lamina propria.
  • Dietary interventions (gluten-free diet and gluten challenge) influenced cell percentages, though specific changes require further detailed analysis.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated levels of gamma delta TCR+ cells are a characteristic feature in the peripheral blood and gut mucosa of individuals with celiac disease.
  • The findings suggest a potential role for gamma delta T cells in the immunopathology of celiac disease.
  • Peripheral blood gamma delta TCR+ cell counts may serve as a potential indicator for gut-associated immune cell populations in celiac disease.

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