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- Title
Analysis of the TCRBV Repertoire of T Cells in Normal, Human Skin: Evidence for a Restricted Diversity.
- Authors
Menssen, Antje; Vollmer, Sigrid; Trommler, Paul; Sander, Christian; Prinz, Jörg C.
- Abstract
Summary αβ T cells constitute an important component in the first line of immunologic defense in human skin. In order to determine the local selection forces driving T cell diversity, we studied the T cell receptor repertoire in normal human skin and compared it with that of matched blood samples. Using semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction the expression of T cell receptor β-chain V genes was determined. The majority of skin, but not blood T cells, revealed a bias towards usage of T cell receptor β-chain V2 and V6. Whereas sequencing of T cell receptor β-chain V2 and V6 polymerase chain reaction products showed a heterogeneous clonal distribution within these β-chain V gene families, the analysis of other selected either over- or underrepresented β-chain V gene families (BV3, BV12, BV13S1, BV17) revealed numerous identical T cell receptor β-chain V transcript sequences that were not detected in blood. Restricted T cell receptor diversity in terms of β-chain V gene preferences or clonal expansion was observed in skin samples of donors from all ages (0.5–87 y). Hence, the repertoire of T cells in normal human skin is apparently subjected to skin-specific selection throughout life. According to our data, this process could involve superantigens, which favor polyclonal accumulation of T cells using certain β-chain V genes, as well as antigens, which induce clonal T cell expansion. Our results furthermore indicate, that T cell receptor β-chain V repertoire restrictions do not necessarily result from disease-associated activation of the skin immune system, but could reflect regular mechanisms of immunologic homeostasis within the epithelial surface of the body.
- Subjects
T cell receptors; SKIN
- Publication
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000, Vol 115, Issue 1, p66
- ISSN
0022-202X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1046/j.1523-1747.2000.00982.x