Gamma/delta T lymphocytes in the BCG granulomatous lesions.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: D S Kim, K Y Lee, W I Yang, S J Han, E H Hwang
• Journal: Yonsei medical journal (Yonsei Med J) Vol. 37 Issue 5 Pg. 319-24 (Oct 1996) ISSN: 0513-5796 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 8997164 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta

Topics

• Female
• Granuloma (immunology, pathology)
• Humans
• Infant
• Lymph Nodes (pathology)
• Male
• Mycobacterium bovis
• Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta (analysis)
• T-Lymphocytes (immunology)
• Tuberculosis (immunology, pathology)