BIMODAL DISTRIBUTION OF V-BETA-2(-CELLS IN HUMAN PERIPHERAL-BLOOD()CD4(+) T)

The distribution of T cells using the V beta 2 gene was studied in a g roup of 99 humans. The distribution of V beta 2(+)CD4(+) levels was bi modal. Twelve individuals had levels of V beta 2(+)CD4(+) less than 2% and 86 others had values greater than 5%. Only one individual had a v alue between 2% and 5%. The V beta 2 low (mean 1.3 +/- 0.49) and V bet a 2 high (mean 8.2 +/- 1.65) phenotypes were stable. The V beta 2 low phenotype is inherited and not limited to HLA or T cell receptor V bet a gene complexes. The CD8V beta 2 levels of CD4V beta 2 low individual s are also low. The residual V beta 2(+) T cells in V beta 2 low indiv iduals were not anergic to V beta 2-specific stimulation. These data a re compatible with the effects of an endogenous superantigen.