title: Expression of T-cell receptor-γδ in normal human skin, inflammatory dermatoses and mycosis fungoides.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  T cells expressing the γδ T-cell receptor (TCR) (γδ T cells) are found in normal epithelial tissues such as the skin. However, the proportions of γδ T cells that may be observed in commonly encountered cutaneous diseases with a prominent lymphocytic infiltrate have not been elucidated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our pathology database was searched for cases of mycosis fungoides, erythema multiforme, graft-versus-host disease, lichen planus, lupus panniculitis and spongiotic dermatitis. Immunostaining for CD3, βF1 and the TCR γ chain was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens retrieved from these cases to determine the normal range of γδ T cells in these diseases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 100 of the 101 cases studied (99.0%), γδ T cells accounted for less than 10% of the T-cell infiltrate. Furthermore, γδ T cells were essentially absent in 74 cases (73.3%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that γδ T cells very rarely account for more than 10% of the lymphocytic infiltrate in common inflammatory or infiltrative processes of the skin. Any case of suspected mycosis fungoides or interface dermatitis that possesses more than 10% γδ T cells should raise consideration for further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Hocker
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Wada
authors.forename: Rokea
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: El-Azhary
authors.forename: Lawrence E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Gibson
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000401:mortality; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta