Diversity and organization of human T cell receptor delta variable gene segments

The Legend of Delta: Finding a New TCR Gene

This Pillars of Immunology article is a commentary on “A new T-cell receptor gene located within the alpha locus and expressed early in T-cell differentiation,” a pivotal article written by Y.-H. Chien, M. Iwashima, K. B. Kaplan, J. F. Elliott, and M. M. Davis, and published in Nature, in 1987. https://www.nature.com/articles/327677a0.

Distinct subpopulations of gamma delta T cells are present in normal and tumor-bearing human liver

Gamma delta T cells are thought to mediate immune responses at epithelial surfaces. We have quantified and characterized hepatic and peripheral blood gamma delta T cells from 11 normal and 13 unresolved tumor-bearing human liver specimens. gamma delta T cells are enriched in normal liver (6.6% of T cells) relative to matched blood (0.9%; P = 0.008). The majority express CD4(-)CD8(-) phenotypes and many express CD56 and/or CD161. In vitro, hepatic gamma delta T cells can be induced to kill tumor cell lines and release interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-2 and interleukin-4. Analysis of V gamma and V delta chain usage indicated that V delta 3(+) cells are expanded in normal livers (21.2% of gamma delta T cells) compared to blood (0.5%; P = 0.001). Tumor-bearing livers had significant expansions and depletions of gamma delta T cell subsets but normal cytolytic activity. This study identifies novel populations of liver T cells that may play a role in immunity against tumors.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 induces persistent changes in mucosal and blood gammadelta T cells despite suppressive therapy

Gammadelta T cells are primarily found in the gastrointestinal mucosa and play an important role in the first line of defense against viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. We sought to examine the impact of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection on mucosal as well as peripheral blood gammadelta T-cell populations. Our results demonstrate that HIV-1 infection is associated with significant expansion of Vdelta1 and contraction of Vdelta2 cell populations in both the mucosa and peripheral blood. Such changes were observed during acute HIV-1 infection and persisted throughout the chronic phase, without apparent reversion after treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Despite an increase in the expression of CCR9 and CD103 mucosal homing receptors on peripheral blood gammadelta T cells in infected individuals, mucosal and peripheral blood gammadelta T cells appeared to be distinct populations, as reflected by distinct CDR3 length polymorphisms and sequences in the two compartments. Although the underlying mechanism responsible for triggering the expansion of Vdelta1 gammadelta T cells remains unknown, HIV-1 infection appears to have a dramatic impact on gammadelta T cells, which could have important implications for HIV-1 pathogenesis.

Genomic structure around joining segments and constant regions of swine T-cell receptor alpha/delta (TRA/TRD) locus

A complete genomic region of 131.2 kb including the swine T-cell receptor alpha/delta constant region (TRAC/TRDC) and joining segments (TRAJ/TRDJ) was sequenced. The structure of this region was strikingly conserved in comparison to that of human or mouse. All of the 61 TRAJ segments detected in the human genomic sequence were detected in the swine sequence and the sequence of the protein binding site of T early alpha, the sequence of the alpha enhancer element and the conserved sequence block between TRAJ3 and TRAJ4 are highly conserved. Insertion of the repetitive sequences that interspersed after the differentiation of the species in mammals such as short interspersed nucleotide elements is markedly suppressed in comparison to other genomic regions, while the composition of the mammalian-wide interspersed sequences is relatively conserved in human and swine. This observation indicates the existence of a highly selective pressure to conserve this genomic region around TRAJ throughout the evolution of mammals.

Developmental regulation of V(D)J recombination at the TCR alpha/delta locus

The T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha/delta locus includes a large number of V, D, J and C gene segments that are used to produce functional TCR delta and TCR alpha chains expressed by distinct subsets of T lymphocytes. V(D)J recombination events within the locus are regulated as a function of developmental stage and cell lineage during T-lymphocyte differentiation in the thymus. The process of V(D)J recombination is regulated by cis-acting elements that modulate the accessibility of chromosomal substrates to the recombinase. Here we evaluate how the assembly of transcription factor complexes onto enhancers, promoters and other regulatory elements within the TCR alpha/delta locus imparts developmental control to VDJ delta and VJ alpha rearrangement events. Furthermore, we develop the notion that within a complex locus such as the TCR alpha/delta locus, highly localized and region-specific control is likely to require an interplay between positive regulatory elements and blocking or boundary elements that restrict the influence of the positive elements to defined regions of the locus.

Cooperation among multiple transcription factors is required for access to minimal T-cell receptor alpha-enhancer chromatin in vivo

To understand the molecular basis for the dramatic functional synergy between transcription factors that bind to the minimal T-cell receptor alpha enhancer (Ealpha), we analyzed enhancer occupancy in thymocytes of transgenic mice in vivo by genomic footprinting. We found that the formation of a multiprotein complex on this enhancer in vivo results from the occupancy of previously identified sites for CREB/ATF, TCF/LEF, CBF/PEBP2, and Ets factors as well as from the occupancy of two new sites 5' of the CRE site, GC-I (which binds Sp1 in vitro) and GC-II. Significantly, although all sites are occupied on a wild-type Ealpha, all sites are unoccupied on versions of Ealpha with mutations in the TCF/LEF or Ets sites. Previous in vitro experiments demonstrated hierarchical enhancer occupancy with independent binding of LEF-1 and CREB. Our data indicate that the formation of a multiprotein complex on the enhancer in vivo is highly cooperative and that no single Ealpha binding factor can access chromatin in vivo to play a unique initiating role in its assembly. Rather, the simultaneous availability of multiple enhancer binding proteins is required for chromatin disruption and stable binding site occupancy as well as the activation of transcription and V(D)J recombination.

Gamma delta T-cells in human cutaneous immunology

Gamma delta T-Cells represent a minor subpopulation of T-lymphocytes in man and their role in normal and diseased human skin is unknown. This article is a comprehensive review of T-lymphocytes bearing the gamma delta T-cell receptor in normal and pathological human skin. Firstly, we have documented the occurrence of gamma delta T-cells in normal skin and in a range of reactive and malignant skin conditions. We have then discussed the experimental findings regarding the repertoire used by gamma delta T-cells in normal human skin and in cutaneous disorders with an increased percentage of gamma delta T-cells.

Limited junctional diversity of V delta 5-J delta 1 rearrangement in multiple sclerosis patients

T-cell receptor (TCR) delta gene repertoire, as assessed by V delta-J delta rearrangements, has been analyzed in nine multiple sclerosis (MS) cases and in 30 healthy individuals by seminested PCR technique. Among the V delta-J delta junctional diversities studied, the most striking result has been observed in V delta 5-J delta 1 rearrangement. The detection of repeated V delta 5-J delta 1 nucleotide sequences in all analyzed clones from seven out of nine patients studied proved the monoclonal nature of gamma delta T-cells with V delta 5-J delta 1 rearrangement. The clonal nature of this rearrangement proved by PAGE and sequencing analysis may suggest an antigen-driven expansion of gamma delta T cells and argues for a significant role of gamma delta T-cells with V delta 5-J delta 1 rearrangement in MS pathogenesis. However, it cannot be excluded that clonal expansion of these lymphocytes may represent secondary change to central nervous system damage.

Cloning, expression, and crystallization of the V delta domain of a human gamma delta T-cell receptor

T-lymphocytes recognize a wide variety of antigens through highly diverse cell-surface glycoproteins known as T-cell receptors (TCRs). These disulfide-linked heterodimers are composed of alpha and beta or gamma and delta polypeptide chains consisting of variable (V) and constant (C) domains non-covalently associated with at least four invariant chains to form the TCR-CD3 complex. It is well established that alpha beta TCRs recognize antigen in the form of peptides bound to molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC); furthermore, information on the three-dimensional structure of alpha beta TCRs has recently become available through X-ray crystallography. In contrast, the antigen specificity of gamma delta TCRs is much less well understood and their three-dimensional structure is unknown. We have cloned the delta chain of a human TCR specific for the MHC class I HLA-A2 molecule and expressed the V domain as a secreted protein in the periplasmic space of Escherichia coli. Following affinity purification using a nickel chelate adsorbent, the recombinant V delta domain was crystallized in a form suitable for X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystals are orthorhombic, space group P2(1)2(1)2 with unit cell dimensions a = 69.9, b = 49.0, c = 61.6 A. and diffract to beyond 2.3 A resolution. The ability of a V delta domain produced in bacteria to form well-ordered crystals strongly suggests that the periplasmic space can provide a suitable environment for the correct in vivo folding of gamma delta TCRs.

TCR gene polymorphisms and autoimmune disease

Autoimmunity may result from abnormal regulation within the immune system. As the T cell is the principal regulator of the immune system and its normal function depends on immune recognition or self/non-self discrimination, abnormalities of the idiotypic T-cell receptor (TCR) may be one cause of autoimmune disease. The TCR is a clonally distributed, cell-surface heterodimer which binds peptide antigen when complexed with HLA molecules. In order to recognize the variety of antigens it may possibly encounter, the TCR, by necessity, is a diverse structure. As with immunoglobulin, it is the variable domain of the TCR which interacts with antigen and exhibits the greatest amount of amino acid variability. The underlying genetic basis for this structural diversity is similar to that described for immunoglobulin, with TCR diversity relying on the somatic recombination, in a randomly imprecise manner, of smaller gene segments to form a functional gene. There are a large number of gene segments to choose from (particularly the TCRAV, TCRAJ and TCRBV gene segments) and some of these also exhibit allelic variation. Finally, polymorphisms in non-coding regions of TCR genes, leading to biased recombination or expression, are also beginning to be recognized. All these factors contribute to the polymorphic nature of the TCR, in terms of both structure and repertoire formation. It follows that inherited abnormalities in either coding or regulatory regions of TCR genes may predispose to aberrant T-cell function and autoimmune disease. This review will outline the genomic organization of the TCR genes, the genetic mechanisms responsible for the generation of diversity, and the results of investigations into the association between germline polymorphisms and autoimmune disease.

Human T-cell receptor variable gene segment families

Multiple DNA and protein sequence alignments have been constructed for the human T-cell receptor alpha/delta, beta, and gamma (TCRA/D, B, and G) variable (V) gene segments. The traditional classification into subfamilies was confirmed using a much larger pool of sequences. For each sequence, a name was derived which complies with the standard nomenclature. The traditional numbering of V gene segments in the order of their discovery was continued and changed when in conflict with names of other segments. By discriminating between alleles at the same locus versus genes from different loci, we were able to reduce the number of more than 150 different TCRBV sequences in the database to a repertoire of only 47 functional TCRBV gene segments. An extension of this analysis to the over 100 TCRAV sequences results in a predicted repertoire of 42 functional TCRAV gene segments. Our alignment revealed two residues that distinguish between the highly homologous V delta and V alpha, one at a site that in VH contacts the constant region, the other at the interface between immunoglobulin VH and VL. This site may be responsible for restricted pairing between certain V delta and V gamma chains. On the other hand, V beta and V gamma appear to be related by the fact that their CDR2 length is increased by four residues as compared with that of V alpha/delta peptides.

Comparison of human and mouse T-cell receptor variable gene segment subfamilies

Like the immunoglobulin Igh-V and Igk-V gene families, the human or mouse TCRV gene families may be grouped into subfamilies displaying > 75% nucleic acid sequence similarity among their members. Systematic interspecies sequence comparisons reveal that most mouse Tcr-V subfamilies exhibit clear homology to human TCRV subfamilies (> 60% amino acid sequence similarity). Homologous pairs of TCRV genes in mice and humans show higher sequence similarity than TCRV genes from different subfamilies within either species, indicating transspecies evolution of TCRV genes. Mouse and human homologues show conservation of their relative map order, particularly in the 3' region and a similar sequential and developmentally programmed expression. When the V regions from both species were analyzed together, local length differences and conserved residues in the loop regions were revealed, characteristic of each of the four TCRV families.

The delta T cell receptor repertoire in human colon and peripheral blood is oligoclonal irrespective of V region usage

The majority of gamma/delta T cell receptors (TCR) in the human intestinal mucosa are thought to use the TCRDV1 (V delta 1) variable region gene segment, whereas gamma/delta T cells in the circulation predominantly express the TCRDV2 (V delta 2) gene segment. delta T cell receptors that use the TCRDV2 variable region gene segment generally have been regarded as highly diverse, whereas those that use the TCRDV1 gene segment are oligoclonal, whether present in the intestinal tract or in peripheral blood. We report herein that oligoclonality is a general feature of the peripheral delta T cell receptor repertoire in healthy human adults, irrespective of the variable region used and regardless of whether gamma/delta T cells reside in the intestinal mucosa or in peripheral blood. In addition, the delta T cell receptor repertoire is shown to be highly compartmentalized between such sites as the colon and peripheral blood, relatively stable over at least a 10-16-mo period, and unique in each individual. Further, the spectrum of variable region genes used by delta T cell receptor transcripts in the human colon is greater than previously recognized. Thus, in addition to the TCRDV1 and TCRDV2 variable region gene segments, delta T cell receptors in normal intestinal mucosa can use TCRDV3 (V delta 3) and TCRAV (V alpha) gene segments which, in some individuals, comprise a significant component of the mucosal delta T cell receptor repertoire. Our studies indicate that the potential of delta T cell receptors for extensive diversity is not reflected in the mature human repertoire. Moreover, these findings suggest a model wherein the delta T cell receptor repertoire in the colon and peripheral blood is shaped by selection and clonal expansion of gamma/delta T cells that ultimately seed throughout the length of the colon mucosa and populate the circulation.

Horse (Equus caballus) T-cell receptor alpha, gamma, and delta chain genes: nucleotide sequences and tissue-specific gene expression

Horse (Equus caballus) T-cell receptor alpha (TCRA), gamma (TCRG), and delta (TCRD) chain genes were isolated from a cDNA library and characterized. Five unique TCRAV families, including four full-length sequences, five distinct TCRAJ genes, and a single TCRAC gene were identified. TCRAV genes had closest homology with human sequences and least similarity to rat genes. Among eight horse TCRG genes, two distinct constant region genes with considerable variation in the connecting region were identified, but no variable or joining genes were present. Southern blot hybridization confirmed the presence of at least two TCRGC genes and indicated that the vast majority of horse alpha beta T cells rearrange either one or both TCRG alleles. Analysis of horse TCRD genes revealed the presence of eight unique TCRDV genes representing seven families, each having closest nucleotide homology with sheep sequences. Six unique TCRDJ genes were isolated; however, four of these sequences differed by only one base pair and thus likely represented alleles of a single gene. One horse TCRDC gene was present among fifteen clones analyzed and, based on Southern blot hybridizations, was deleted in polyclonal alpha beta T-cell populations, indicating that the TCRD locus is probably located within the TCRA locus as in other species. Polymerase chain reaction using horse-specific primers for the detection of TCRAC and TCRDC gene expression indicated that gamma delta T cells are located at numerous sites throughout the body, and with the exception of bone marrow where only TCRAC transcripts were detected, are closely associated with alpha beta T cells. This finding indicates that these two T-cell populations may be functionally interactive.

Concurrent presence of inv(14)(q11q32) and t(4;11)(q21;q23) in pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The inv(14)(q11q32) is a non-random chromosomal aberration which has been associated with a variety of T-cell malignancies. We have studied a case of inv(14)(q11q32) that is unique in several respects. First, the inversion, which is expressed at the mRNA level, occurred in the context of a pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as opposed to a T-cell malignancy. Second, cloning and sequencing of the inversion revealed that it resulted from a fusion between an immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (V) segment and a T-cell receptor delta diversity (D) segment. In addition, the patient had a second chromosomal abnormality at diagnosis, a t(4;11)(q21;q23) which disrupted the MLL gene. The fact that there were two distinct chromosomal abnormalities at diagnosis enabled us to address the question of leukemic clonal evolution during the course of this patient's disease. We present evidence suggesting that the t(4;11)(q21;q23) occurred first, with the inv(14)(q11q32) occurring as a second event.

Multiple sclerosis: limited diversity of the V delta 2-J delta 3 T-cell receptor in chronic active lesions

T lymphocytes bearing the gamma delta T-cell receptor have been found in the central nervous system of patients with multiple sclerosis in association with demyelinated lesions. Although the biological function of these cells remains to be established, it has been proposed that they are involved in the response to highly conserved antigens, such as heat shock proteins (hsp), expressed during tissue damage and thus may contribute to the development of an autoimmune response. Using polymerase chain reaction, we probed for the presence of T-cell receptor gamma delta cells in fresh-frozen early autopsy brain tissue from patients with multiple sclerosis and patients with non-multiple sclerosis conditions. The results demonstrated the presence of two major V-J combinations of the T-cell receptor delta chain--V delta 2-J delta 3, V delta 2-J delta 1--and we used a direct sequencing technique to determine whether this gamma delta T-cell population was clonal or diverse. In chronic-active plaques from 9 patients with multiple sclerosis, we found a striking predominant gene rearrangement within the V delta 2-J delta 3 T-cell receptor population that was not present in central nervous system tissue from patients with other neurological diseases. In contrast, within the V delta 2-J delta 1 T-cell receptor population, a predominant rearrangement pattern was detected in only 1 of the multiple sclerosis patients. The sequence of the predominant V delta 2-J delta 3 gene rearrangement was confirmed by cloning and sequencing the gene products from 1 multiple sclerosis patient.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Different pattern of T cell receptor delta gene rearrangement in tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and peripheral blood in patients with solid tumours

Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from four patients with renal-cell carcinoma (three paired with blood), two colon carcinomas (both paired with blood) and two melanomas (blood was not available) were analysed for the T cell receptor (TCR) delta gene repertoire. Polymerase chain reaction analysis, employing a panel of specific primers for TCR delta gene segments, showed different gene rearrangement patterns in TIL and PBL in all patients. Simultaneous analysis of TIL and PBL revealed the presence of lymphoid cells in the tumour tissue that were not present in the periphery. These results demonstrate that, although tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes contain gamma/delta T cells within the range observed in peripheral blood, these cells differ from those in peripheral blood in their gene repertoire and this may account for selective accumulation or/and in situ amplification of gamma/delta lymphocytes at the tumour site, indicating a unique type of host reaction against tumour.

A highly conserved phenylalanine in the alpha, beta-T cell receptor (TCR) constant region determines the integrity of TCR/CD3 complexes

In the present study, we have investigated the importance of a phenylalanine (phe195) in the Tcr-C alpha region on Tcr-alpha,beta/CD3 membrane expression. An exchange of phe195 with a tyrosine residue does not affect Tcr/CD3 membrane expression; however, exchange with aspartic acid, histidine or valine prohibit completely Tcr/CD3 membrane expression. This seems to be due to a lack of interaction between mutated Tcr-alpha,beta/CD3-gamma epsilon,delta epsilon complexes and zeta 2 homodimers. The Tcr-C alpha region around phe195 seems together with the same region in the Tcr-C beta region to constitute an interaction site for zeta 2 homodimers. The presence of phe195 on both Tcr-C alpha and Tcr-C beta causes high avidity interaction with zeta 2 homodimers, whereas his195 in both Tcr-C gamma and Tcr-C delta results in an apparently lower avidity interaction with zeta 2 homodimers. It is suggested that the phe195 region (on beta-strand F) and eventually adjacent aromatic amino acid residues on beta-strand B region may play an important role in Tcr-alpha,beta/CD3 membrane expression, in Tcr-alpha,beta/CD3 competition with Tcr-gamma,delta/CD3 complexes for zeta 2 homodimers and in the control of formation of 'mixed' Tcr heterodimers.

TCR gene segments from at least one third of V alpha subfamilies rearrange at the delta locus

Using PCR and an experimentally validated V alpha subfamily-specific oligonucleotide panel (V alpha 1-w29), we have investigated whether the TCR delta chain may increase its combinatorial diversity by using V genes considered as alpha chain-specific. We show that at least 10 distinct human V alpha segments rearrange at the J delta locus, leading to scrambling of the two V gene repertoires. Fifty-five per cent of the V alpha/J delta transcripts characterized here were in frame. The 17 V alpha/C delta chains analysed included an extended CDR3 region with up to 18 aa encoded by the junctional region. In addition, a new J delta segment (J delta 4) has been characterized. Together, these findings demonstrate that combinatorial diversity in the human delta locus is larger than previously thought.

T-cell receptor V delta gene usage by tumour reactive gamma delta T lymphocytes infiltrating human lung cancer

In seven human adenocarcinomas and a non-neoplastic granulomatous disease of the lung, gamma delta+ infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) could be isolated and selectively expanded in vitro upon culture in interleukin-2 (IL-2), without any additional stimuli, indicating a prior activation in vivo. In most cases gamma delta TIL were predominantly V delta 1+, despite a normal V delta 2:V delta 1 ratio in paired peripheral blood lymphocytes, suggesting a possible expansion of this subset in response to localized antigens/superantigens. Moreover, in five patients it was possible to identify a V delta 1- V delta 2- TIL population which by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was shown to be heterogeneous as V delta gene usage, inclusive of V delta 3,4,5,6,7 and 8. Of note, these V delta regions have not been found in peripheral blood so far. Finally, in all cases, gamma delta TIL displayed killing activity of the autologous tumour, which appeared to be more restricted in the case of V delta 1+ cells. Altogether, these findings suggest a preferential expansion, at the tumour site, of V delta 1+ cells and of cells expressing V delta genes other than V delta 2.

Enhancer-dependent and -independent steps in the rearrangement of a human T cell receptor delta transgene

The rearrangement and expression of T cell receptor (TCR) gene segments occurs in a highly ordered fashion during thymic ontogeny of T lymphocytes. To study the regulation of gene rearrangement within the TCR alpha/delta locus, we generated transgenic mice that carry a germline human TCR delta minilocus that includes V delta 1, V delta 2, D delta 3, J delta 1, J delta 3, and C delta segments, and either contains or lacks the TCR delta enhancer. We found that the enhancer-positive construct rearranges stepwise, first V to D, and then V-D to J. Construct V-D rearrangement mimics a unique property of the endogenous TCR delta locus. V-D-J rearrangement is T cell specific, but is equivalent in alpha/beta and gamma/delta T lymphocytes. Thus, either there is no commitment to the alpha/beta and gamma/delta T cell lineages before TCR delta gene rearrangement, or if precommitment occurs, it does not operate directly on TCR delta gene cis-acting regulatory elements to control TCR delta gene rearrangement. Enhancer-negative mice display normal V to D rearrangement, but not V-D to J rearrangement. Thus, the V-D to J step is controlled by the enhancer, but the V to D step is controlled by separate elements. The enhancer apparently controls access to J delta 1 but not D delta 3, suggesting that a boundary between two independently regulated domains of the minilocus lies between these elements. Within the endogenous TCR alpha/delta locus, this boundary may represent the 5' end of a chromatin regulatory domain that is opened by the TCR delta enhancer during T cell development. The position of this boundary may explain the unique propensity of the TCR delta locus to undergo early V to D rearrangement. Our results indicate that the TCR delta enhancer performs a crucial targeting function to regulate TCR delta gene rearrangement during T cell development.

Phenotypic and molecular characterization of human monoclonal TCR gamma/delta T-cell lines from jejunum and colon of healthy individuals

We have performed a phenotypic and molecular analysis of monoclonal TCR gamma/delta T-cell lines derived from jejunal and colonic biopsies of healthy individuals. Flow cytometric analysis employing a panel of 24 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) demonstrated that intestinal TCR gamma/delta intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) constitute a phenotypically heterogeneous population. Nucleotide sequence analysis of expressed TCR delta variable (V) regions revealed the dominant utilization of the V delta 2 and D delta 3 gene segments and frequent rearrangement of J delta 3. IEL V delta regions displayed extensive junctional diversity as a result of N and P insertion and the utilization of D delta 3 in all three reading frames. The results demonstrate that intestinal TCR gamma/delta T cells from healthy individuals constitute a phenotypically heterogeneous population expressing V delta regions that differ from their systemic counterparts.

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)

Molecular analysis of the gamma delta T-cell receptor repertoire in normal human skin and in Oriental cutaneous leishmaniasis

The extent of diversity of the gamma delta T-cell receptor (TCR) in normal human skin and Oriental Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (OCL) was examined by molecular analysis of the variable (V) delta gene segment, junctional (J) delta gene segment and junctional regions. To examine the expression of TCR delta genes, segments of gamma delta T lymphocytes, DNA isolated from normal human skin and from OCL were subjected to enzymatic gene amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using TCR V delta- and J delta-specific oligonucleotides as primers. PCR amplification using these primers indicated that the V delta 2 gene segment was predominantly used by gamma delta T lymphocytes in both normal human skin and OCL. To determine the extent of junctional diversity in the delta gene of gamma delta T cells in normal human skin and OCL, we sequenced the nucleic acid sequences corresponding to the V delta 2/J delta 1 junctional regions. Sequence analysis of junctional regions demonstrated broad junctional diversity in normal skin but only limited diversity in OCL. Our findings support the hypothesis that skin gamma delta T lymphocytes may derive from a fetal subset of gamma delta T lymphocytes that leaves the thymus early and colonizes the periphery. The limited junctional diversity demonstrated in OCL lesions indicates that gamma delta T cells can undergo oligoclonal expansion following recognition of a specific ligand and supports the idea that junctional regions are important in the recognition of antigenic determinant.

T cell receptor junctional regions of V gamma 9+/V delta 2+ T cell clones in relation to non-MHC restricted cytotoxic activity

Human gamma delta T cell clones having V gamma 9JP and V delta 2DJ1 T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements were isolated form an individual donor and tested for non-MHC restricted cytotoxicity against the B lymphoblastoid cell line, BSM. Most clones were highly cytotoxic but 3/9 clones had very low activity, comparable to that of CD4+ alpha beta T cell clones. Although there was a tendency for clones with low cytotoxic function to produce high levels of interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, this correlation was not complete. TCR gamma and delta junctional sequences were obtained and were found to be different for all clones. There were no consistent structural differences between gamma delta TCRs of cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic clones, but gamma or delta junctional regions of all three non-cytotoxic clones had unusual features. One clone had a particularly short gamma chain junctional sequence, one had a short delta chain junctional sequence and the third clone was the only one of the panel which failed to utilise the D delta 3 segment. If the gamma delta TCR is involved in target cell recognition in this model of non-MHC restricted killing, such variations in receptor structure may be sufficient to inhibit recognition and thereby reduce the cytotoxic capacity of a minority of V gamma 9+/V delta 2+ clones. Also, a panel of gamma delta T cell clones expressing V gamma 8/V delta 3 isolated from a different donor, were all highly cytotoxic against BSM, indicating that these target cells can be recognised by effector cells expressing a TCR other than the V gamma 9/V delta 2 receptor. The possible influence of other cell surface molecules on non-MHC restricted cytotoxic function is discussed.

Peripheral selection of antigen receptor junctional features in a major human gamma delta subset

Recent studies demonstrating the existence of murine gamma delta T cell subsets with structurally identical T cell receptors (TcR) suggest that unlike alpha beta T cells, some gamma delta T cells are specialized in the recognition of a limited number of monomorphic antigens. However, this question still remains open in humans, since the TcR structural diversity of their peripheral gamma delta T cells was shown to be extensive. Here we have analyzed in detail the TcR chain genes expressed by human V gamma 9+V delta 2+ peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), a major peripheral gamma delta T cell subset in adults and present evidence for an antigen-driven peripheral selection of both TcR gamma and delta junctional motifs among these cells. First, it is shown that the proportion of V gamma 9+V delta 2+ cells expressing the V9JPC1 gamma chain is much higher among PBL than among thymus-derived clones, indicating that preferential use of this J gamma segment is not due to pairing or combinatorial constraints. Second, analysis of V9JPC1 gamma transcripts derived from V gamma 9+V delta 2+ PBL clones revealed a high prevalence of a unique V9JP gamma sequence with limited "N" nucleotide additions and VJ trimming, which could not be accounted for by enzymatic or antigen-independent structural limitations. Third, the TcR delta chain expressed by most V gamma 9+V delta 2+ PBL clones, though diverse in amino acid composition and length, carried a highly distinctive junctional motif, found at a much lower frequency among V2DJ delta sequences derived from V gamma 9-V delta 2+ PBL or V gamma 9+V delta 2+ thymocytes. Together, these results which demonstrate shared gamma and delta junctional features by cells using unique V gamma and V delta genes, suggest that in vivo selection of V gamma 9+V delta 2+ lymphocytes is mediated by a highly restricted number of nominal ligands.

Preferential V delta 1 expression among TcR gamma/delta-bearing T cells in human oral epithelium

The oral cavity is a septic area colonized by various bacterial species, and the oral mucosa is frequently submitted to microtraumas. Several mechanisms are implicated in the defence of the oral tissue, but little is known concerning the eventual presence and role of gamma/delta T cells at this site. Samples of healthy keratinized oral mucosa were examined with immunochemical techniques using anti-CD3, CD4, CD8, CD22, TcR delta 1, V delta 1 and V delta 2 monoclonal antibodies. Whatever the site examined, gamma/delta T cells represent at most 2% of the T-cell population, a value similar to that found in other tissues. In the connective tissue, under the basement membrane, V delta 2+ gamma/delta T cells are predominant whereas the epithelium mostly contains V delta 1+ gamma/delta T cells. The significance of this preferential V delta 1 intraepithelial presence is discussed.

T-cell receptor heterogeneity of gamma delta T-cell clones from human female reproductive tissues

gamma delta T cells were isolated from human decidua parietalis, decidua basalis and cervix and cloned in the presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2). T-cell receptor (TcR) expression was then analysed and compared with that of a panel of gamma delta T-cell clones from peripheral blood. Only 17/40 (42.5%) clones from decidua parietalis were V gamma 9+/V delta 2+ as compared to 68/94 (72%) of peripheral blood clones (P < 0.005). Conversely, 50% of clones from decidua parietalis but only 15% of clones from peripheral blood were V delta 1+ (P < 0.001). At least seven distinct TcR types were identified among the panel of clones from decidua parietalis and at least six different types were expressed by the panel of 17 clones from cervix. This receptor heterogeneity was not a result of interdonor variation as in all instances where more than one clone was obtained from a single sample, individual clones having between two and five receptor types were identified. However, 23/24 (95.8%) of clones from decidua basalis were V gamma 9+/V delta 2+. Most clones from decidua parietalis and cervix, whether V gamma 9+/V delta 2+ or V delta 1+, were positive for the mucosal lymphocyte marker, HML-1, but expression was often heterogeneous within a single clone. In contrast, almost all gamma delta T-cell clones from peripheral blood were HML-1-. Thus, unlike the mouse, gamma delta T cells within these human female reproductive tissues have a diverse TcR repertoire which, in decidua parietalis, is distinct from that of peripheral blood.

Molecular involvement of the pvt-1 locus in a gamma/delta T-cell leukemia bearing a variant t(8;14)(q24;q11) translocation

A highly malignant human T-cell receptor (TCR) gamma/delta+ T-cell leukemia was shown to have a productive rearrangement of the TCR delta locus on one chromosome 14 and a novel t(8;14)(q24;q11) rearrangement involving the J delta 1 gene segment on the other chromosome 14. Chromosome walking coupled with pulsed-field gel electrophoretic (PFGE) analysis determined that the TCR J delta 1 gene fragment of the involved chromosome was relocated approximately 280 kb downstream of the c-myc proto-oncogene locus found on chromosome band 8q24. This rearrangement was reminiscent of the Burkitt's lymphoma variants that translocate to a region identified as the pvt-1 locus. Sequence comparison of the breakpoint junctions of interchromosomal rearrangements in T-cell leukemias involving the TCR delta-chain locus revealed novel signal-like sequence motifs, GCAGA(A/T)C and CCCA(C/G)GAC. These sequences were found on chromosome 8 at the 5' flanking site of the breakpoint junction of chromosome 8 in the TCR gamma/delta leukemic cells reported here and also on chromosome 1 in T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia patients carrying the t(1;14)(p32;q11) rearrangement. These results suggest that (i) during early stages of gamma delta T-cell ontogeny, the region 280 kb 3' of the c-myc proto-oncogene on chromosome 8 is fragile and accessible to the lymphoid recombination machinery and (ii) rearrangements to both 8q24 and 1p32 may be governed by novel sequence motifs and be subject to common enzymatic mechanisms.

Molecular involvement of the pvt-1 locus in a gamma/delta T-cell leukemia bearing a variant t(8;14)(q24;q11) translocation

A highly malignant human T-cell receptor (TCR) gamma/delta+ T-cell leukemia was shown to have a productive rearrangement of the TCR delta locus on one chromosome 14 and a novel t(8;14)(q24;q11) rearrangement involving the J delta 1 gene segment on the other chromosome 14. Chromosome walking coupled with pulsed-field gel electrophoretic (PFGE) analysis determined that the TCR J delta 1 gene fragment of the involved chromosome was relocated approximately 280 kb downstream of the c-myc proto-oncogene locus found on chromosome band 8q24. This rearrangement was reminiscent of the Burkitt's lymphoma variants that translocate to a region identified as the pvt-1 locus. Sequence comparison of the breakpoint junctions of interchromosomal rearrangements in T-cell leukemias involving the TCR delta-chain locus revealed novel signal-like sequence motifs, GCAGA(A/T)C and CCCA(C/G)GAC. These sequences were found on chromosome 8 at the 5' flanking site of the breakpoint junction of chromosome 8 in the TCR gamma/delta leukemic cells reported here and also on chromosome 1 in T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia patients carrying the t(1;14)(p32;q11) rearrangement. These results suggest that (i) during early stages of gamma delta T-cell ontogeny, the region 280 kb 3' of the c-myc proto-oncogene on chromosome 8 is fragile and accessible to the lymphoid recombination machinery and (ii) rearrangements to both 8q24 and 1p32 may be governed by novel sequence motifs and be subject to common enzymatic mechanisms.

T-cell receptor alpha and delta gene assembly in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The status of the TCR-alpha/delta genes in B-precursor ALL and the rearrangement patterns of these gene loci are discussed in this review. Although most of these rearrangements have been characterized, some still remain to be clarified. Almost all rearrangements of the TCRs in B-precursor ALL are incomplete and may reflect early recombinational steps during the TCR differentiation processes in normal T-lineage cells. In addition, even in T-cell malignancies, it is rarely possible to obtain clonal cell populations with TCR rearrangements arrested in very early recombinational steps. Therefore, studies of these as yet uncharacterized rearrangements may lead to the discovery of additional gene segments playing important roles in the TCR recombinational processes and may provide useful information for understanding the processes of T-cell differentiation.

Molecular analysis of an ataxia telangiectasia T-cell clone with a chromosomal translocation t(14;18)--evidence for a breakpoint in the T-cell receptor delta-chain gene

We established a clonal T-cell line with a reciprocal chromosomal translocation t(14;18)(q11;q23) from a patient with ataxia telangiectasia (AT) and T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (T-CLL). The tumor cells and the derived T-cell line were compared with respect to phenotype, karyotype, and rearrangement pattern. Restriction fragment analyses of the T-cell receptor (TCR)-delta gene, which is located within the TCR-alpha gene on chromosome 14q11, indicated that the breakpoint is located within the TCR-delta locus, splitting the TCR-delta gene between the variable and joining segments. This specific chromosomal translocation was only detected in the derived T-cell line and may be involved in the genesis of T-cell malignancies in AT.

The human gamma/delta + and alpha/beta + T cells: a branched pathway of differentiation

In human peripheral blood, most of the CD3+ cells express the alpha/beta T cell receptor. A smaller fraction of CD3+ T cells express the gamma/delta T cell receptor (from 1 to 10% depending the individuals, with an average of 3-5%). Interestingly, although the alpha/beta + T cells never express the gamma chain at the cell surface, most of them (about 98%) rearrange the gamma locus on both alleles, the remaining 2% alpha/beta + T cells have one rearranged TRG locus. We previously proposed that V-J joinings in the human TRG locus occurred sequentially and we recently demonstrated that two successive rearrangements may occur on the same chromosome [Alexandre et al. (Int. Immunol, 3, 973-982, 1991)]. In this paper, we discuss the implications of these sequential rearrangements on the relatedness of the human gamma/delta + and alpha/beta + T cell lineages.

Use of the V delta 1 variable region in the functional T-cell receptor alpha chain of a WT31+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte clone which specifically recognizes HLA-A2 molecule

We report here the molecular characterization of the T-cell receptor (TCR) expressed by a human HLA-A2 specific cytotoxic T-cell clone named CTL 49. Flow cytometry analysis with a panel of anti-TCR antibodies revealed an OKT3+, WT31+, A13+, BB3-, TCR delta-, delta TCS1-, TCR gamma/delta 1-, OKT4-, and OKT8+ phenotype, suggesting that, in CTL 49, the V delta 1-encoded A13 epitope could be included in its alpha beta TCR. Northern blot analysis confirmed the presence of C alpha, C beta and V delta 1 specific transcripts while no hybridization signal was detected by a C delta specific probe. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the first strand cDNA from CTL 49 with TCR-specific primers and sequence analysis revealed that V delta 1 region is productively rearranged to J alpha and to C alpha regions. This alpha chain pairs with a beta chain composed of V beta 13.2/D beta/J beta 2.3/C beta 2 leading to the expression of a functional TCR complex. These results, in addition to providing further evidence for the sharing of V delta 1 by alpha/beta and gamma/delta TCR, indicate that an alpha/beta T-cell receptor which includes the V delta 1 variable region can be involved in alloreactive recognition.

Identification of carrot cDNA clones encoding a second putative proliferating cell-nuclear antigen, DNA polymerase delta auxiliary protein

The proliferating cell-nuclear antigen (PCNA) plays a key role in the control of eukaryotic DNA replication. We have isolated two cross-hybridizing groups of cDNA encoding carrot homologs of PCNA. Sequence analysis and Southern-blot experiments showed that the cDNA were derived from two distinct genes. One corresponded to the typical PCNA, which is known to be highly conserved in eukaryotes from yeast to man; its mRNA is 1.2 kb in size and the calculated molecular mass of the protein is 29 kDa. The other encoded a larger PCNA homolog which has not previously been reported; the mRNA is 1.5 kb in size, the N-terminal three quarters (calculated molecular mass, 29 kDa) of the protein product is 88% identical at the amino acid level to the typical PCNA, but the protein has an extra C-terminal domain of 11 kDa. Both PCNA homologs were apparently coexpressed concomitant with somatic embryogenesis. The mRNA level of the novel homolog is 10-20% that of the typical PCNA in the embryos. The presence of the second putative PCNA may provide new insight into studies on the mechanism of DNA replication in eukaryotes.

Pathogenic autoantibody-inducing gamma/delta T helper cells from patients with lupus nephritis express unusual T cell receptors

In previous work, we found that only 59 (15%) of 396 "autoreactive" T cell clones derived from five patients with lupus nephritis had the ability to selectively augment the production of pathogenic anti-DNA autoantibodies and the majority (49/59) of those autoimmune T helper (Th) clones were CD4+. Surprisingly, 7 of those Th clones were CD4-/CD8- and gamma/delta TCR+, capable of augmenting the production of pathogenic anti-DNA autoantibodies up to 125-fold. The gamma/delta Th clones responded in a MHC-nonrestricted manner to some endogenous autoantigen associated with heat shock proteins (HSP60) on the lupus B cells. The gamma/delta TCR genes expressed by 4 of these Th clones were amplified and sequenced here. Three of the 4 Th clones, each from a different lupus patient, expressed a gene from the V gamma 1 subgroup. Moreover, 2 of the Th clones expressed V delta 5, and the others V delta 1 or V delta 3. These TCRs are rarely expressed by peripheral blood gamma/delta T cells of normal adult humans. The predominant gamma/delta T cells in human peripheral blood express V gamma 2 (V gamma 9) and V delta 2 TCR genes, including HSP-responsive T cells. None of the lupus Th clones expressed this combination of TCR genes. In addition, some of these pathogenic autoantibody-inducing Th clones from the lupus patients had limited diversity and few N-nucleotide additions in their gamma/delta TCR junctional regions (CDR3), thus resembling fetal gamma/delta thymocytes early in ontogeny.

Functionally distinct subsets of human gamma/delta T cells

To determine if effector subsets exist among human gamma/delta T cells, we examined the cytokine production and cytotoxic activity of gamma/delta T cell clones with different accessory molecule phenotypes, V delta and V gamma gene expression, and J gamma rearrangements. T cell clones bearing gamma/delta T cell receptor produce an array of cytokines like alpha/beta T cell clones. Individual gamma/delta T cell clones produced a characteristic array of cytokines without correlation with V delta or V gamma gene expression. However, when phenotypic subsets were considered, CD4+ gamma/delta clones produced significantly higher levels of interleukin 2 and granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor compared with CD4-CD8- and CD8+ gamma/delta clones. Similarly, when cytotoxic potential was assessed, CD4+ gamma/delta clones exhibited minimal activity when compared with CD4-CD8- and CD8+ adult peripheral blood gamma/delta clones. We conclude that functionally distinct gamma/delta T cell subsets exist and suggest that these subsets may correlate with expression of the CD4 accessory molecule.

Use of variable human V delta genes to create functional T cell receptor alpha chain transcripts

Previous studies of the human T cell receptor delta genes identified five commonly used V delta segments distinct from any of the known V alpha genes. To define better the relationship between the T cell receptor delta and alpha repertoires we amplified cDNA obtained by polyclonally activated lymphocytes with a common 3' antisense C alpha-specific primer and with five different 5' sense V delta family-specific primers. Amplified products were detected in staphylococcal enterotoxin C2, staphylococcal enterotoxin E, phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, anti-CD3 and anti-V beta 8-activated cells, although each cell population expressed a selective pattern of V delta genes. Sequence analysis revealed that each of the known V delta genes can productively rearrange to J alpha segments to produce functional V delta-J alpha-C alpha transcripts. These results argue strongly against the notion that the human V delta and V alpha repertoires are distinct. They further suggest that the restricted delta repertoire observed in many gamma/delta clones results from selection rather than from controlled rearrangements at the T cell receptor alpha/delta locus.

Isolation and characterization of cDNA clones for plant cyclins

We have isolated and sequenced a carrot cDNA and two soybean cDNAs encoding mitotic cyclin homologs. The soybean clones were derived from nearly identical cognate genes. The carrot cyclin and soybean cyclins were slightly more similar to A-type and B-type cyclins thus far defined, respectively. However, they had divergent amino acid sequences in the portion that is most highly conserved in known cyclins and we could not easily include them in either of the phylogenetic types. Since the homology between carrot and soybean cyclins was low, each of them might define a novel and distinct type. The mRNA of carrot cyclin, 1.5 kb in length, was expressed concomitant with somatic embryogenesis of cultured cells. Expression of soybean cyclin mRNAs, 1.6 kb in length, was localized in proliferating parts of seedlings. As in the case of cyclin genes of marine invertebrates, microinjection of a synthetic mRNA for the soybean cyclin induced the maturation of Xenopus oocytes. Other cyclin genes may be present because, on Southern blot analysis of soybean genomic DNA, the isolated soybean cDNA probe hybridized with additional genes under low stringency.

Staphylococcal exotoxins deliver activation signals to human T-cell clones via major histocompatibility complex class II molecules

We investigated whether staphylococcal exotoxins (SEs), in addition to their capacity to induce T-cell activation restricted by the T-cell receptor (TCR) beta-chain variable region, can deliver an activation signal to human T-cell clones through major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. Eleven human T-cell clones (9 alpha beta TCR and 2 gamma delta TCR clones) of different antigenic specificities were tested for their capacity to proliferate in response to toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) and two SEs, SEA and SEB. In the absence of accessory cells, only 4 alpha beta TCR clones were stimulated to proliferate, each by a single SE, and to mobilize intracellular free Ca2+ in response to that SE, events indicative of TCR engagement and, presumably, recognition restricted by the beta-chain variable region. In the presence of accessory cells, each of the 11 T-cell clones was stimulated to proliferate by any one of the three SEs tested. This apparently TCR-unrestricted SE-mediated polyclonal proliferation of T-cell clones occurred in the absence of an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ and was not dependent on the presence of MHC class II expression on accessory cells. In contrast, SE-mediated polyclonal proliferation did not occur in 3 alpha beta TCR clones derived from an MHC class II-deficient patient. Furthermore, all of the three SEs induced the proliferation of 4 natural-killer-cell clones, suggesting that expression of TCR/CD3 complex is not essential for SE-mediated polyclonal proliferation of activated lymphocytes. These results indicate that MHC class II molecules transduce activation signals to human T- and natural-killer-cell clones.

Developmental process of the T-cell receptor alpha and delta gene assembly in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

We analysed the organization of V delta genes and delta recombining element (delta Rec) in 27 children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Twenty-two of 54 alleles showed rearrangements of the T-cell receptor (TCR) delta locus. These rearrangements resulted either from D2D delta 3 (2 alleles) or V delta 2(Dn)D delta 3 (20 alleles) recombinations, and the other V delta and delta Rec were not rearranged. Of 23 alleles with deletion of C delta and rearrangements of J alpha, V delta 2, V delta 4 and V delta 5 appeared to rearrange to J alpha on five alleles. With regard to the relationship between the rearranged V alpha/delta and J alpha genes, gene segments 5' to V delta 2 frequently rearranged to J alpha more proximal to C alpha, whereas V delta 2 and gene segments 3' to V delta 2 showed a tendency to rearrange to J alpha distal to C alpha. Based on these findings, we suggest that the initial recombination event of the TCR-alpha/delta gene may be D2D delta 3 joining, followed by V delta 2 recombination with the D2D delta 3 complex. It was also suggested that use of V alpha/delta and J alpha/delta may depend on the distance between the involved V alpha/delta and J alpha/delta at least in B-lineage cells. These rearrangements in B-precursor cells appear to be aberrant. However, this recombinational process may be one of the normal differentiation pathways in T-lineage cells, because cells with a V delta 2(Dn)D delta 3 rearrangement were detected in 0.1-0.01% of normal peripheral mononuclear cells by the polymerase chain reaction.

T-cell receptor gene expression by human gamma delta T-cell clones from peripheral blood and reproductive tissues in relation to non-MHC-restricted cytotoxic function

T-cell receptor gamma and delta gene expression was determined using V-region-specific monoclonal antibodies in conjunction with Southern blot analysis in panels of gamma delta T-cell clones from human peripheral blood (n = 77) and reproductive tissue (n = 9). Whereas 53 out of 77 (69%) clones from peripheral blood expressed V gamma 9 and V delta 2J1, only 2 out of 9 (22%) from reproductive tissues expressed V delta 2J1. Two out of eight decidual clones expressed both V gamma 9 and V delta 1J1, while this configuration was rare in clones from peripheral blood. The majority of clones from the peripheral blood of one donor expressed V gamma 8 and V delta 3J1. Clones were identified which expressed V delta 1J1 in the disulphide-linked C gamma 1 form of the receptor and which expressed a gene other than V delta 1 in the non-disulphide-linked C gamma 2 form, indicating incomplete concordance between expression of V delta 1 and C gamma 2. V delta 3 could be expressed in the disulphide-linked or non-disulphide-linked form of the receptor. At least 5 out of 77 peripheral clones were expressing V delta genes other than V delta 1, V delta 2, or V delta 3 in conjunction with C gamma 1 or C gamma 2. There was a strong but incomplete correlation between high non-NHC-restricted cytotoxic function and C gamma 1 expression. Clones from the same donor expressing both V gamma 9JPC gamma 1 and V delta 2J1 showed either high or negligible cytotoxicity, and cytotoxic clones expressing C gamma 2 were found. Thus no complete correlation between cytotoxic function and expression of a particular form of the gamma delta heterodimer was identified. The results also suggest that gamma delta T cells from reproductive tissues are less likely to express V delta 2J1 than those from peripheral blood.

Expression of the intestinal T-lymphocyte associated molecule HML-1: analysis of 75 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and description of the first HML-1 positive T-lymphoblastic tumour

The expression of the gut intra-epithelial T-cell associated molecule HML-1, a trimeric protein of 150, 125, 105 kD, was studied in 75 T-cell lymphomas of different subtypes: 20 T-lymphoblastic lymphomas/leukaemias; 50 nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas; and five intestinal T-cell lymphomas. Our results confirm: (i) the usefulness of the HML-1 monoclonal antibody as an immunohistochemical marker for intestinal T-cell lymphomas: and (ii) the lack of reactivity of HML-1 with nodal peripheral T-cell lymphomas. Moreover, expression of the HML-1 molecule was found for the first time in a case of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukaemia. The patient presented with a mediastinal mass which consisted of HML-1 + neoplastic cells displaying a phenotypic profile consistent with early thymocytes. Genes coding for the alpha, beta, gamma and delta chains of the T-cell receptor were in a germline configuration. The neoplastic cells could have been derived from the small subset of HML-1 + thymocytes detectable in the cortex of normal human thymus.

Molecular characterization of human T cell receptor alpha chains including a V delta 1-encoded variable segment

Previously we have shown that a small fraction of human peripheral T cells expresses a surface receptor recognized both by the BMA031 mAb, specific for a TcR alpha/beta framework epitope, and by the A13 mAb, putatively specific for an epitope encoded by the V delta 1 gene segment. An interleukin 2-dependent polyclonal cell line (termed T2) was derived from such A13+BMA031+ circulating lymphocytes. The molecular characterization of the TcR chains expressed by T2 cells demonstrated indeed that the V delta 1 gene (one of the two major V delta genes) was transcribed with the C alpha gene segment. In the T2 polyclonal cell line, distinct V delta 1/C alpha transcripts were all found to include the same J alpha segment suggesting the existence of "hybrid" TcR alpha/delta chains encoded by unique V delta 1/J alpha rearrangements. The present study was designed to characterize further the V delta 1/J alpha rearranged genes expressed in A13+BMA031+ cells. Three additional cell lines were generated from peripheral blood of distinct adult healthy donors. Using the anchored polymerase chain reaction, it was found that 17 different J alpha segments were used in the 20 V delta 1J alpha C alpha transcripts which have been studied. Together, these data indicate that V delta 1 is a "mixed" (i.e. alpha/delta) TcR V segment which can join with most (if not all) J segments in the alpha/delta locus. In addition, it can be definitely concluded that the A13 mAb recognizes a V delta 1-encoded antigenic determinant and not a V delta 1J epitope (i.e. it can be defined and used as an anti-V delta 1 mAb, as opposed to reagents such as for example delta-TCS-1).