AIMS: To assess the distribution of gamma delta T-cells in the human bronchial tree; and to compare quantitatively the differences between gamma delta T-cell numbers in different parts of the airway wall in smokers and non-smokers. METHODS: Full thickness bronchial wall sections were taken from 10 whole lung specimens from both smokers and non-smokers. Serial cryostat sections stained with the monoclonal antibodies CD3 and TCR delta-1 were examined with the aid of interactive image analysis to assess gamma delta T-cell numbers both in absolute terms and as a proportion of total T lymphocyte numbers. RESULTS: In all cases gamma delta T-cells were demonstrable throughout the airway wall. Although in absolute terms they tend to occur predominantly in the bronchial epithelium, this seems to reflect higher numbers of T lymphocytes in the epithelium in general compared with the submucosa. No genuine epitheliotropism is evident. Comparison by smoking status shows a significant increase in gamma delta T-cell numbers in the bronchial glands of smokers compared with non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: gamma delta T-cells form an integral though variable component of the immunocompetent cell population of the human airway in both smokers and non-smokers. Although epitheliotropism does not exist in the bronchial tree, gamma delta T-cells seem to form a significant part of the bronchial gland inflammation associated with smoking.
AIMS: To assess the distribution of gamma delta T-cells in the human bronchial tree; and to compare quantitatively the differences between gamma delta T-cell numbers in different parts of the airway wall in smokers and non-smokers. METHODS: Full thickness bronchial wall sections were taken from 10 whole lung specimens from both smokers and non-smokers. Serial cryostat sections stained with the monoclonal antibodies CD3 and TCR delta-1 were examined with the aid of interactive image analysis to assess gamma delta T-cell numbers both in absolute terms and as a proportion of total T lymphocyte numbers. RESULTS: In all cases gamma delta T-cells were demonstrable throughout the airway wall. Although in absolute terms they tend to occur predominantly in the bronchial epithelium, this seems to reflect higher numbers of T lymphocytes in the epithelium in general compared with the submucosa. No genuine epitheliotropism is evident. Comparison by smoking status shows a significant increase in gamma delta T-cell numbers in the bronchial glands of smokers compared with non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: gamma delta T-cells form an integral though variable component of the immunocompetent cell population of the human airway in both smokers and non-smokers. Although epitheliotropism does not exist in the bronchial tree, gamma delta T-cells seem to form a significant part of the bronchial gland inflammation associated with smoking.
Authors: J Borst; R J van de Griend; J W van Oostveen; S L Ang; C J Melief; J G Seidman; R L Bolhuis Journal: Nature Date: 1987 Feb 19-25 Impact factor: 49.962
Authors: M B Brenner; J McLean; D P Dialynas; J L Strominger; J A Smith; F L Owen; J G Seidman; S Ip; F Rosen; M S Krangel Journal: Nature Date: 1986 Jul 10-16 Impact factor: 49.962
Authors: G Stingl; F Koning; H Yamada; W M Yokoyama; E Tschachler; J A Bluestone; G Steiner; L E Samelson; A M Lew; J E Coligan Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A Date: 1987-07 Impact factor: 11.205
Authors: V Groh; S Porcelli; M Fabbi; L L Lanier; L J Picker; T Anderson; R A Warnke; A K Bhan; J L Strominger; M B Brenner Journal: J Exp Med Date: 1989-04-01 Impact factor: 14.307
Authors: Willi K Born; Christina L Roark; Niyun Jin; J M Wands; M Kemal Aydintug; Yafei Huang; Jennifer L Chain; Youn-Soo Hahn; Philip L Simonian; Andrew P Fontenot; Rebecca L O'Brien Journal: Open Immunol J Date: 2009-10-23