Rearrangement and junctional-site sequence analyses of T-cell receptor gamma genes in intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes from murine athymic chimeras

T cells in cryptopatch aggregates share TCR gamma variable region junctional sequences with gamma delta T cells in the small intestinal epithelium of mice

The role of cryptopatch aggregates in the development of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) is a matter of controversy. Therefore, an important question is whether T cells in cryptopatch aggregates are lineally related to IEL. We hypothesized that if gammadelta+ IEL derive from T cells in cryptopatch aggregates, then a clonal relationship would exist between the two populations. To test this hypothesis, we compared the sequence of rearranged TCR gamma variable region 5 genes in gammadelta+ IEL and cryptopatch cells. We purified IEL by FACS and cryptopatch cells were isolated from frozen sections of the intestine by laser-assisted microdissection. PCR showed that TCR gamma variable region 5 was rearranged in gammadelta+ IEL and in CD3+ cryptopatch cells, but not in CD3- cryptopatch cells. DNA sequence analysis showed that the frequency of in-frame junctions in cryptopatch aggregates was at a level consistent with positive selection in both wild-type and athymic nude mice. In addition, the predicted amino acid sequences of V-J junctions present in gammadelta+ IEL and cryptopatch cells were encoded by identical nucleotide sequences. By contrast, the frequency of in-frame joints was significantly reduced in cryptopatch cells isolated from TCR delta-deficient mice, indicating that the enrichment of in-frame joints in cryptopatch cells must normally depend on expression of surface gammadelta TCR. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that a subset of gammadelta+ IEL are related to T cells in cryptopatch aggregates. The precise role of cryptopatch aggregates in intestinal gammadelta+ T cell homeostasis still needs to be determined.

Antigen-induced chemokine activation in mouse buccal epithelium

The oral mucosa is an active though poorly understood immunological site. Using an experimental animal system involving antigen priming into the oral mucosa of transgenic mice expressing T cell receptor (TCR) for a peptide antigen of hen-egg lysozyme (HEL), the expression of six chemokine receptors and seven chemokine ligands were studied before and after antigen exposure. Within 24h of local antigen priming, the expression of three chemokine receptor genes (CCR3, CCR5, and CCR7) and three chemokine ligand genes (CCL12, CCL19, and CCL25) were significantly upregulated. These included chemokines known to be responsible for the trafficking of T cells and other leukocytes into tissue sites. Additionally, expression of the chemokine ligand gene, CCL25 (thymus-expressed chemokine [TECK]), which has been linked to T cell migration and/or local T cell development in the intestine, was also markedly elevated in buccal epithelia after antigen exposure. These findings define a process of selective activation of proinflammatory chemokines and/or their receptors following local antigen exposure, and they provide the first evidence, indicating that this may be accompanied by in situ development of T cells in oral tissues.

Distinct requirements for IL-7 in development of TCR gamma delta cells during fetal and adult life

TCRgammadelta-transgenic IL-7(-/-) mice were generated to determine whether T cells containing productively rearranged TCRgammadelta genes have additional requirements for IL-7 within the thymus or peripheral lymphoid tissues. Differences in developmental requirements for IL-7 by TCRgammadelta cells were noted and were linked to derivation from fetal- vs adult-type precursors in the thymus. Although TCRgammadelta cells are absent from IL-7(-/-) mice, TCRgammadelta cells were restored to the thymus and periphery by expression of TCRgammadelta transgenes. Endogenous TCRgamma chains were expressed by IL-7(+/-) but not IL-7(-/-) TCRgammadelta-transgenic mice, providing direct support for findings that IL-7 is necessary for rearrangement and expression of TCRgamma genes. The number of TCRgammadelta thymocytes was 10-fold reduced in TCRgammadelta-transgenic IL-7(-/-) embryos; however, adult TCRgammadelta-transgenic IL-7(-/-) or IL-7(+/-) mice had similar numbers of fetal thymus-derived TCRgammadelta cells in their skin. Thus, fetal TCRgammadelta cells required IL-7 for TCR rearrangement, but not for proliferation or survival in the periphery. In contrast, the numbers of TCRgammadelta cells in other tissues of TCRgammadelta-transgenic IL-7(-/-) mice were not completely restored. Moreover, coincident with the transition from the first to second wave of T cell precursors maturing in neonatal thymus, thymus cellularity of TCRgammadelta-transgenic IL-7(-/-) mice dropped significantly. These data indicated that in addition to TCRVgamma gene rearrangement, TCRgammadelta cells differentiating from late fetal liver or adult bone marrow precursors have additional requirements for IL-7. BrdU incorporation studies indicated that although IL-7 was not required for TCRgammadelta cell proliferation, it was required to prolong the life span of mature TCRgammadelta cells.

Modulation of gamma delta T cells in mouse buccal epithelium following antigen priming

T cells using the gamma delta T cell receptor (TCR) are abundant in mucosal and epidermal tissues in mice. Most studies of mucosal gamma delta T cells, however, have examined cells from the intestinal mucosa, whereas little is known about the presence or function of gamma delta T cells in the oral cavity. To better understand the involvement of oral gamma delta T cells in immunity, we have characterized TCR variable gamma-gene usage in the buccal epithelium from normal mice, and from mice challenged locally with a non-replicating antigen (bovine serum albumin [BSA]) or by influenza-virus infection as a replicating antigen. Our findings demonstrate a restricted use of V gamma genes by buccal gamma delta T cells, consisting primarily of V gamma 1.2, V gamma 3, and V gamma 5, with minimal use of V gamma 2 and V gamma 4 genes. Of particular interest, 3-4 days post-antigen challenge with BSA, there was a precipitous drop in the level of expression of V gamma 1.2, V gamma 3, and V gamma 5 genes, and to a lesser extent for the V gamma 2 gene, whereas V gamma 4 gene expression increased between days 1 and 2 post-priming. In influenza-infected mice, a similar pattern was observed for the V gamma 2 and V gamma 5 genes, but not other V gamma genes. The immune-modulating effects of oral antigen exposure on buccal gamma delta T cells suggest that these cells are functionally involved in the local immune response to both replicating and non-replicating antigens in oral mucosal surfaces.

Origins of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes: direct evidence for a thymus-derived gamma delta T cell component

The contribution of T cell precursors from the thymus and the bone marrow to the pool of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocvtes (IELs) has been studied in a system using donor cells from enhanced-green fluorescent protein (EGFP+ ) transgenic mice a doptively transferred into EGFP- recipient mice. Consistent with previous studies, regeneration of gamma delta and alpha beta T cell populations in the intestinal epithelium occurred within 2-3 weeks of bone marrow transfer into irradiatiated EGFP- animals and prior to T cell repopulation of the spleen, of interest, however, although transfer of whole adult EGFP+ thymocytes to non-irradiated EGFP- congenitally-athymic nude mice produced alpha beta T cells in both the spleen and intestine. Gamma delta T cells in significant number were detected only in the intestine of recipient mice. In contrast, transfer of CD3-, CD4-, CD8- immature thymocytes resulted in no detectable T cells in either the intestine or the spleen of nude mice up to twelve weeks post-cell transfer, suggesting that intestinal IELs generated from thymocytes arose from differentiated lineage-committed cells rather than from immature thymocytes. These findings provide direct evidence for both thymus-independent and thymus-dependent sources of intestinal gamma delta T cells, and they suggest that murine IELs consist of diverse groups of T cells with distinct developmental origins.

Thymic and intestinal intraepithelial T lymphocyte development are each regulated by the gammac-dependent cytokines IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15

Both thymic and extrathymic T lineage development are characterized by cytokine-dependent regulation of complex proliferative, differentiative, and anti-apoptotic processes. The role of the gammac-dependent cytokines in this program has been interpreted as limited to the activity of IL-7. However, through the analysis of double knock-out mice, which lack signaling through the IL-7R and other gammac-dependent cytokines, we revealed a role for IL-15 in the production of early thymic pro-T cells. Although IL-2 does not function in the production of thymocytes, thymic restoration of IL-2R expression prevented fatal autoimmunity associated with IL-2- or IL-2R-deficient mice, suggesting that IL-2R functions non-redundantly at the level of the thymus to regulate self-reactivity. Moreover, IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15 also extend their developmental effects beyond the thymus to other sites of T lymphocyte production, including the gut. Here, their redundant and non-redundant activities are directly correlated to the development of phenotypically diverse subsets of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes.

Enterocyte expression of interleukin 7 induces development of gammadelta T cells and Peyer's patches

The intestinal mucosa is suggested to support extrathymic T cell development, particularly for T cell receptor (TCR)-gammadelta intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). TCR-gammadelta cell development requires interleukin (IL)-7; IL-7(-/)- or IL-7 receptor(-/)- mice lack TCR-gammadelta cells. Using the intestinal fatty acid binding protein (iFABP) promoter, we reinstated expression of IL-7 to mature enterocytes of IL-7(-/)- mice (iFABP-IL7). In iFABP-IL7 mice, TCR-gammadelta IELs were restored, as were cryptopatches and Peyer's patches. TCR-gammadelta cells remained absent from all other tissues. Likewise, T cell development in thymus and B cell maturation in the bone marrow and spleen retained the IL-7(-/)- phenotype. Thus, IL-7 expression by enterocytes was sufficient for extrathymic development of TCR-gammadelta cells in situ within the intestinal epithelium and was crucial for organization of mucosal lymphoid tissue.

Migration of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes into a polarized epithelial monolayer

Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) are a phenotypically distinct population of lymphocytes that reside in mucosal epithelia, below the intercellular tight junctions. Although adhesive functions of this population have been previously studied, relatively little is known about IEL migration from the microvasculature into the epithelium. We demonstrated that cultured human IEL were capable of migration into polarized epithelial cells in vitro, where they assumed a subjunctional position, identical to that observed in vivo. The migration was rapid and efficient and was directionally polarized, such that IEL migrated into epithelial monolayers from the basolateral, but not the apical, aspect. After a 4-h period of residence, up to one-half of the IEL then exited the monolayer basolaterally. Migration was partially inhibited by pertussis toxin, suggesting a potential mechanism for IEL migration by chemokine receptor-mediated signaling. The conditions and ligand pairs used in IEL migration were different from those for neutrophils, another cell type known to migrate through epithelia. This system may serve as a model for microenvironmental homing of IEL into the epithelium.

The Role of IL-7 in Thymic and Extrathymic Development of TCRγδ Cells

IL-7-deficient (IL-7−/−) mice have reduced numbers of B and TCRαβ cells, but lack mature TCRγδ cells. Although most T cell development occurs in the thymus, some intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), including TCRγδ cells, can develop extrathymically. Epithelial cells in both thymus and intestine synthesize IL-7, suggesting that TCRγδ cell development could occur in either site. To evaluate the role of thymic IL-7 in development of TCRγδ cells, newborn TCRβ-deficient (TCRβ−/−) thymi were grafted to IL-7−/− mice. Donor- and host-derived TCRγδ cells were recovered from thymus grafts, spleen, and IEL. However, when IL-7−/− thymi were grafted to TCRβ−/− mice, no development of graft-derived TCRγδ cells occurred, indicating that extrathymic IL-7 did not support TCRγδ IEL generation from newborn thymic precursors. In contrast, TCRγδ IEL development occurred efficiently in adult, thymectomized, irradiated C57BL/6J mice reconstituted with IL-7−/− bone marrow. This demonstrated that extrathymic development of TCRγδ IEL required extrathymic IL-7 production. Thus, intrathymic IL-7 was required for development of thymic TCRγδ cells, while peripheral IL-7 was sufficient for development of extrathymic TCRγδ IEL.

Positive selection of gamma delta CTL by TL antigen expressed in the thymus

To elucidate the funciton of the mouse TL antigen in the thymus, we have derived two TL transgenic mouse strains by introducing Tl alpha 2-3 of A strain origin with its own promoter onto a C3H background with no expression of TL in the thymus. These transgenic mouse strains, both of which express high levels of Tla2-3-TL antigen in their thymus, were analyzed for their T cell function with emphasis on cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) generation. A T cell response against TL was induced in Tg. Tla2-3-1, Tg. Tla2-3-2, and control C3H mice by skin grafts from H-2Kb/T3b transgenic mice, Tg.Con.3-1, expressing T3b-TL ubiquitously. Spleen cells from mice that had rejected the T3b-TL positive skin grafts were restimulated in vitro with Tg. Con.3-1 irradiated spleen cells. In mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC), approximately 20% and 15% of Thy-1+ T cells derived from Tg.Tla2-3-1 and Tg.Tla2-3-2, respectively, expressed TCR gamma delta, whereas almost all those from C3H expressed TCR alpha beta. The MLC from Tg. Tla2-3-2 and C3H demonstrated high CTL activity against TL, while those from Tg. Tla2-3-1 had little or none. The generation of gamma delta CTL recognizing TL in Tg. Tla2-3-2, but not C3H mice, was confirmed by the establishment of CTL clones. A total of 14 gamma delta CTL clones were established from Tg. Tla2-3-2, whereas none were obtained from C3H. Of the 14 gamma delta CTL clones, 8 were CD8+ and 6 were CD4-CD8- double negative. The CTL activity of all these clones was TL specific and inhibited by anti-TL, but not by anti-H-2 antibodies, demonstrating that they recognize TL directly without antigen presentation by H-2. The CTL activity was blocked by antibodies to TCR gamma delta and CD3, and also by antibodies to CD 8 alpha and CD8 beta in CD8+ clones, showing that the activity was mediated by TCR gamma delta and coreceptors. The thymic origin of these gamma delta CTL clones was indicated by the expression of Thy-1 and Ly-1 (CD5), and also CD8 alpha beta heterodimers in CD8+ clones on their surfaces and by the usage of TCR V gamma 4 chains in 12 of the 14 clones. Taken together, these results suggest that Tla2-3-TL antigen expressed in the thymus engages in positive selection of a sizable population of gamma delta T cells.

V gamma (I) expression in human intestinal lymphocytes is restricted

The majority of human intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (HIELS) express CD8+, and the T cell Receptor (TCR) alpha beta. A minority of HIELS utilize TCR gamma delta chains. V delta 1 is established as the TCR-delta expressed by most TCR gamma delta HIELS. Since V delta 1 is the dominant intestinal TCR and V gamma (I) family is preferentially used in forming a heterodimer, this study was conducted to characterize individual V gamma (I) utilization in HIELS. Intestinal lymphocytes were isolated from four samples of colonic epithelium obtained from patients undergoing colon resection or endoscopy. RNA was isolated and cDNA synthesized. PCR amplification was performed with consensus J gamma and V gamma primers in these regions. PCR products were cloned and sequenced. All samples had V gamma 4 transcripts, a majority V gamma 3 whereas V gamma 2 and V gamma 8 were less frequent. No V gamma 2 transcripts had any predicted TCR protein products. Similarly, very few potentially productive V gamma 3 transcripts were found. In contrast, almost all V gamma 4 transcripts were found to be in-frame and the only V gamma 8 transcript was in-frame. The CDR3 region of the gamma transcripts were small compared to published intestinal TCR delta recombinations. All CDR3 regions contained at least one charged amino acid. The limited number of functional transcripts adds evidence to the oligoclonality of intestinal TCRs expressing the TCR V gamma (I) family. The short CDR3 regions support the concept of limited antigen recognition by this lymphocyte population.

Extrathymic T cell differentiation

In the mouse, the gut mucosa is a major site of extrathymic differentiation of T cells. Recent data in this past year show that this process differs from the main thymic differentiation pathway not only in its location, but also in its use of costimulatory molecules, signal transduction modules, and mechanisms of repertoire selection. The thymus exerts an influence on the expansion of the extrathymically differentiated gut intraepithelial lymphocytes that appears to be varied in nature, including acting as a source of TCR- progenitors. All gut intraepithelial lymphocytes, whatever their extrathymic or thymic site of differentiation, have common features of activated and specialized cytotoxic cells. Other T cells may differentiate extrathymically, in particular in the liver; these later cells appear to have a very restricted, probably autoreactive repertoire, and also display natural killer cell features.

Intestinal T lymphocytes

The intestine is largely colonized by bacteria and further exposed to an immense array of ingested and shed immunogenic material. Therefore, the gut associated lymphoid tissue plays a major role in the human immune system. It may even constitute a unique immune system of its own, since it has been demonstrated to differ anatomically, phenotypically, functionally and on a molecular basis from its systemic counterpart and other peripheral lymphoid tissue. This is ultimately reflected by the observation in (transgenic) mice that intraepithelial T cells can develop independently of the thymus. Along the same lines, a rapidly growing body of evidences suggests that human bone marrow precursors can home to the gut epithelium, rearrange their T cell receptor genes and further differentiate in the mucosal micro environment. This, and other features that characterize the 'diffuse' mucosal T cell infiltrate will be discussed.

Extrathymic intestinal T-cell development: virtual reality?

Extrathymic T-cell development is a topic of considerable interest and debate, with important implications for the mechanisms of T-cell maturation and repertoire selection. Recent evidence has suggested that intraepithelial T lymphocytes (IELs) of the small intestine can mature and undergo selection in the absence of a thymus. However, IEL precursors are present in the thymus and IEL development is known to be influenced by the thymus. Here, Leo Lefrançois and Lynn Puddington discuss these data and suggest that the differentiation pathway of IEL precursors is dependent on whether or not a thymus is present.

Characteristics of fetal thymus-derived T cell receptor gamma delta intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes

We have previously demonstrated that grafting of CBF1 (H-2b/d) fetal thymus (FTG) under the kidney capsule of congenitally athymic nude mice of BALB/c background (H-2d) generates a substantial number of T cell receptor (TCR) gamma delta intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) that were of FTG origin (H-2b+) (see accompanying report). Here we investigated the characteristics of these FTG-derived TCR gamma delta IEL and compared them to the extrathymically derived TCR gamma delta IEL found in nude mice. Phenotypically, FTG-derived TCR gamma delta IEL were similar to their extrathymically derived counterparts in that most were Thy-1-, CD5- and CD8 alpha alpha (homodimer). V gamma and V delta gene usage in thymus-derived and extrathymically derived TCR gamma delta IEL were found to be virtually the same. Functionally, FTG-derived TCR gamma delta IEL were similar to the TCR gamma delta IEL found in euthymic mice as both were relatively anergic to TCR cross-linking in vitro. However, FTG-derived TCR gamma delta IEL differed slightly from extrathymically derived TCR gamma delta IEL, which were completely nonresponsive to the same in vitro stimulation. Overall, these findings support the view that FTG-derived and extrathymically derived TCR gamma delta IEL are almost indistinguishable. Lastly, we demonstrate that despite their thymic origin, development of FTG-derived TCR gamma delta IEL partially takes place extrathymically; that is positive selection of FTG-derived V delta 4 IEL occurs extrathymically. In addition, we demonstrate that the CD8 molecule is not necessary for development and homing of FTG-derived TCR gamma delta IEL. This later finding suggests that the CD8 alpha alpha molecule develops extrathymically for FTG-derived CD8 alpha alpha TCR gamma delta IEL.

Developmental expression of the alpha IEL beta 7 integrin on T cell receptor gamma delta and T cell receptor alpha beta T cells

A novel monoclonal antibody, 2E7, was shown by immunoprecipitation to be reactive with the alpha IEL beta 7 integrin and was employed to analyze the expression of this integrin in lymphocyte subsets and during T cell ontogeny. In adult lymph nodes, alpha IEL was expressed at low levels by 40-70% of CD8+ T cells and < 5% of CD4+ T cells. However, virtually all intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes and approximately 20% of lamina propria CD4+ T cells were 2E7+, indicating a preferential expression of this integrin on mucosal T cells. Examination of alpha IEL integrin expression during thymus ontogeny revealed that approximately 3-5% of fetal or adult thymocytes were 2E7+. Interestingly, early in fetal thymus ontogeny, approximately 40% of 2E7+ cells expressed T cell receptor (TcR)-gamma delta and this subset persisted through birth. A developmental switch occurred such that 2E7+ TcR- CD4-8+ cells detected on fetal day 19 were followed by 2E7+ TcR-alpha beta CD4-8+ cells in the neonatal thymus. The latter population persisted throughout thymus ontogeny into adulthood. Interestingly, a subset of TcR-gamma delta V gamma 3+ day 16 fetal thymocyte dendritic epidermal cell (DEC) precursors were 2E7+, but all mature DEC expressed high levels of alpha IEL integrin, suggesting that the alpha IEL integrin was acquired late in DEC maturation. This possibility was strengthened by immunohistochemical localization of the majority of 2E7+ gamma delta and alpha beta T cells to the medullary regions of the thymus. Overall, the results demonstrate a developmentally ordered expression pattern of the alpha IEL beta 7 integrin that suggests a common function for this integrin during TcR-gamma delta and -alpha beta CD4-8+ T cell thymocyte development or perhaps in effector functions for these subsets.

Differentiation and function of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes

Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (i-IEL) are phenotypically diverse and consist of both thymically derived and extrathymically derived cells. Extrathymically derived i-IEL are clearly different from thymically derived peripheral T cells in their phenotype and repertoire selection. The major locus of differentiation of extrathymically derived i-IEL appears to be the intestinal epithelium because recombination activating gene (RAG)-1 is expressed in CD3- i-IEL. Extrathymic differentiation however does not imply independence from the thymus as athymic mice have increased numbers of CD3-CD8- and CD3-CD8 alpha alpha + i-IEL but decreased numbers of CD3+CD8 alpha alpha+ i-IEL when compared to euthymic mice. We speculate from these results that thymus-derived cytokine(s)/factor(s) may support differentiation from CD3-CD8 alpha alpha + to CD3+CD8 alpha alpha + i-IEL in the intestinal epithelium. i-IEL seem to have some role in immune surveillance because they reside at a site which may represent a first line of defense against pathogenic organisms. This idea is supported by the reports showing in vivo activation of i-IEL under conditions of intestinal infection or tumor-bearing state. In vitro analyses showed cytotoxicity and cytokine production of i-IEL but their true function(s) in vivo is(are) not well known. Clearly more analysis on the in vivo function(s) of i-IEL are needed in order to clarify the true role(s) of i-IEL.

A new high frequency polymorphism in the HER-2/neu oncogene in normal tissue and breast tumors

The HER-2/neu (erbB-2) oncogene, if amplified and/or overexpressed in breast and ovarian cancers, is associated with a poor prognosis. Employing direct DNA sequencing, we have discovered and sequenced an 80 base pair intron from human placenta which contains an A to G polymorphism. This polymorphism lends itself to restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the PCR product spanning this intron. All three genotypes, homozygous A, heterozygous, and homozygous G appear in normal control populations and breast tumors. Also, no difference was seen between the polymorphic form found in five breast cancers and the corresponding normal tissue.

Gamma delta T cell receptor repertoire in brain lesions of patients with multiple sclerosis

The identification of activated T cells in the brains of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests that these cells are critical in the pathogenesis of this disease. Recently we have used the PCR method to analyse rearrangements of V alpha and V beta genes of the T cell receptor (TCR) in samples of MS and control brains. The results of these studies showed that TCR V gene usage in MS brains may be restricted and in particular that V beta genes may be preferentially rearranged in certain HLA haplotypes associated with susceptibility to MS. In view of the recent evidence that T lymphocytes bearing the gamma delta chains may have autoreactive potential, we have assessed whether or not such TCR-bearing lymphocytes were also present in chronic MS lesions. TCR V gamma and V delta were analysed by the PCR method using a panel of V gamma and V delta primers paired with C gamma or C delta primers in 12 MS brains, as well as in brain samples of ten normal post-mortem cases and three neurological controls. TCR V gamma-C gamma and V delta-C delta rearrangements were confirmed using Southern blotting and hybridisation of the PCR products with specific C gamma and C delta probes. Only one to four rearranged TCR V gamma and V delta transcripts were detected in each of the 23 brain samples obtained from 12 MS patients, with the majority of gamma delta T cells expressing the V gamma 2 and V delta 2 chains. In marked contrast, V gamma and V delta transcripts could only be found in one of the ten non-neurological control brains analysed. To assess the clonality of V gamma 2 and V delta 2 T cell receptor chains in the brain samples of MS patients, we have sequenced the junctional regions of the TCR V gamma-N-J gamma-C gamma and V delta-N-D delta-N-J delta-C delta segments amplified from brain tissues, CSF and spleens of two MS patients and from the spleen of two control subjects. The sequence analysis obtained so far shows no compelling evidence of an MS specific expansion of one or more clones expressing particular types of gamma delta T cell receptors. In contrast, a clonal expansion of a different population of TCR gamma delta-bearing T cells was found in the spleen of both an MS patient and one of the control individuals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

T cell receptor delta gene repertoire and diversity of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in athymic mice

T cell receptor (TCR) delta gene rearrangements in intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) were studied in athymic radiation chimeras using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis of DNAs spanning the variable (V), diversity (D), and junctional (J) genes. In both thymus-bearing and athymic mice, IEL delta gene rearrangements occurred for V delta 3, V delta 4, V delta 5 and V delta 6. V-D-J junctional-site sequence analyses of cloned DNAs from rearranged IEL delta genes in athymic mice revealed a predominance of in-frame rearrangements; junctional diversity consisting of nucleotide removal from V, D and/or J genes; N segment nucleotide insertions; and high overall gene diversity. Evaluation of PCR-amplified cDNAs made from IEL RNA indicated that all four rearranged V delta genes were expressed in IEL from athymic mice. The high diversity observed at the gene level also was present in amino acid sequences encoded by the V-D-J region of IEL delta genes in athymic mice. These data demonstrate that there is extensive diversity of rearranged delta genes in IEL which develop extrathymically, and suggest that the delta chain of IEL TCR-gamma delta+ T cells has the potential for interactions with polymorphic structures.

Gut intraepithelial T lymphocytes

The gut mucosa, given its length, contains a very large number of T lymphocytes in the Peyer's patches and disseminated all along the mucosa. The most conspicuous element of this last compartment, the gut intraepithelial lymphocytes, represents a population of CD8+ T lymphocytes as large as that found in the largest lymphoid organ, the spleen. In spite of their numerical importance and the fact that they are in the immediate vicinity of the largest permanent antigenic stimulus in the whole organism, these cells have remained for a long time, paradoxically, the least understood of the lymphocyte populations, in their ontogeny and physiological role. It is becoming increasingly apparent that they are ontogenically more complex than the bulk of the T lymphocytes present in the lymphoid organs and are probably able to recognize a larger array of antigenic determinants than the peripheral CD8+ T lymphocytes.

A rapid method for isolating murine intestine intraepithelial lymphocytes with high yield and purity

Because murine intestine intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) are dispersed throughout the intestine epithelium, it is important that IEL extraction procedures result in lymphocyte preparations of sufficient purity for use in in vitro and in vivo experimental systems. Here, we describe an improved technique for isolating murine IEL consisting of a single 30 min extraction followed by multiple nylon wool filtrations and centrifugation through Percoll. This procedure yields a preparation of IEL with high overall recovery and purity yet takes only 2-2.5 h. Evaluation of individual steps in the extraction process indicated that nylon wool filtration, in particular multiple filtrations, and Percoll fractionation both were important for achieving highly-enriched IEL populations by removal of enterocytes and cellular debris, and demonstrated that multiple nylon wool filtration improved the overall IEL recovery. This procedure has several advantages for studies of murine IEL in that the resultant IEL population is ideal for phenotypic, functional, or molecular analyses. Moreover, this technique is effective for isolating IEL on a single-animal basis, thereby permitting analyses of IEL from individual mice rather than as pooled IEL obtained from several animals.