Peripheral gamma delta T cell receptor-bearing lymphocytes are increased in children with celiac disease.

The percentages of gamma delta T cell receptor-bearing (TCR+) cells in the peripheral blood and jejunal mucosa of patients with celiac disease were measured before treatment, during a gluten free-diet, and after a gluten challenge. The percentages of the different cell types were evaluated by flow cytometry, and immunohistochemical staining of the jejunal specimen was used to identify lymphocyte surface markers. Nineteen blood samples and intestinal specimens from 13 children with celiac disease (eight samples taken before treatment, six during gluten-free diet, and five after gluten challenge) and samples from nine controls were studied. The proportion of gamma delta TCR+ lymphocytes was significantly higher both in the peripheral blood and the jejunal mucosa of the patients with celiac disease. A significant correlation was found between the percentage of peripheral gamma delta TCR+ cells and the density of gamma delta TCR+ cells in the lamina propria.