Gamma/delta T lymphocytes in the BCG granulomatous lesions.
Recent studies in man and animal models have demonstrated that TCR-gamma delta-bearing T cells (gamma delta T cells) are activated by mycobacteria and accumulate in the sites of mycobacterial infection. Although the function of gamma delta T cells remains unclear, some data suggest a potential role for these cells in the granulomatous immune response. To address the presence of gamma delta T cells within the BCG granulomas, we have characterized the TCR phenotype of T-lymphocytes present in the BCG granulomatous lesion immunohistochemically using a monoclonal antibody to TCR delta 1 and others. Fairly large numbers of gamma delta T cells were located at the periphery of the BCG granulomas without necrosis and most of them also expressed CD8. However, gamma delta T cells were rarely present in the granulomas with central caseous necrosis, calcification and fibrotic changes. With these results, it might be speculated that the CD8+ gamma delta T lymphocytes participate in the BCG granuloma formation mainly in the early stage.
Kim
D S
DS
Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Lee
K Y
KY
Yang
W I
WI
Han
S J
SJ
Hwang
E H
EH
D005260:Female; D006099:Granuloma / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009163:Mycobacterium bovis; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000032:analysis*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*
D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta