TCR gamma/delta + and CD8+TCR alpha/beta + intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) express proliferation marker (Ki-67) in the coeliac lesion.

In conclusion, it appears that gluten induces a non-proliferative activation of CD4+ lamina propria T cells, but a proliferative activation in the TCR alpha/beta +CD8+ and TCR gamma/delta + IEL subsets. Although the increased density of TCR alpha/beta +CD8+ and TCR gamma/delta + IEL in the coeliac lesion may be secondary to T cell mediated immune activation in the lamina propria, a direct and primary antigen-driven proliferation of IEL (perhaps CD1-dependent29) cannot be excluded.