Immunohistological characterisation of intraepithelial lymphocytes of the human gastrointestinal tract.
Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) of the normal human stomach, small intestine, and large intestine have been characterised in tissue sections by a double marker immunofluorescent technique. A panel of reagents was used in combination, including antisera to T lymphocyte antigen (HuTLA), Ia-like (p28, 33) antigens and immunoglobulin subclasses, as well as a mouse monoclonal antibody to a human leucocyte antigen (HLe-1). In stomach and proximal small intestine over 95% of IEL were T lymphocytes (HLe-1+, HuTLA+). The proportion was slightly lower in the colon and rectum (85--95%). IEL rarely expressed Ia-like antigens. B lymphocytes were not seen within the epithelium of any of the tissues examined. The functions of IEL must be assessed in the light of the finding that they are predominantly T cells.
D004064:Digestive System / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000276:immunology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D007136:Immunoglobulins