T cell receptor V alpha repertoire of infiltrating T cells in labial salivary glands from patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the T cell receptor (TCR) V alpha repertoire of infiltrating T cells in labial salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

METHODS

TCR V alpha genes of infiltrating T cells in lips from 2 patients with SS were examined, using the double step inverse polymerase chain reaction. Four and 7 clones encoding the VJC alpha region were established and sequenced, respectively.

RESULTS

All 4 clones used the V alpha 17.1 gene in one patient, while 3 (42.8%) of 7 clones from the other patient used the V alpha 2 family gene (V alpha 2.1, V alpha 2.2, V alpha 2.4), and the other 3 clones used the V alpha 11.1 family gene. A comparison using labial salivary glands and peripheral blood showed that the predominant expression of V alpha 2, V alpha 11.1, and V alpha 17.1 gene segments is specific in the salivary glands.

CONCLUSION

The TCR V alpha repertoire of infiltrating T cells from the lips of 2 patients with SS was relatively restricted in individual patients, thereby suggesting the limited heterogeneity of these cells in salivary glands.