Distribution of lymphocytes bearing TCR gamma/delta in cutaneous lymphocytic infiltrates.
A monoclonal antibody to the recently characterized T lymphocyte expressing a T cell receptor bearing gamma and delta chains (TCR gamma/delta) was applied to 60 biopsy specimens spanning a wide range of diagnoses and containing a variable number of T lymphocytes. TCR gamma/delta+ cells were not enriched in the tissues examined, representing between 0-5% of the total CD3 positive T lymphocyte population. TCR gamma/delta+ cells were identified in 27 cases (45%). The distribution of the TCR gamma/delta-bearing cells was remarkable for preferential stratification at upper cutaneous levels, within the epidermis and papillary dermis in some cases of mycosis fungoides. Benign infiltrates lacked a similar pattern. The role of TCR gamma/delta+ cells is uncertain. The data do not reveal a consistent number or distribution of these cells in cutaneous infiltrates.
Horn
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Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.
Farmer
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D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001706:Biopsy; D006801:Humans; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000032:analysis*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000032:analysis*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell