T-CELL RECEPTOR V-ALPHA REPERTOIRE OF INFILTRATING T-CELLS IN LABIAL SALIVARY-GLANDS FROM PATIENTS WITH SJOGRENS-SYNDROME

Objective. To analyze the T cell receptor (TCR) V alpha repertoire of infiltrating T cells in labial salivary glands of patients with Sjogre n's syndrome (SS). Methods. TCR Va genes of infiltrating T cells in li ps from 2 patients with SS were examined, using the double step invers e polymerase chain reaction. Four and 7 clones encoding the VJC alpha region were established and sequenced, respectively. Results. All 4 cl ones used the V alpha 17.1 gene in one patient, while 3 (42.8%) of 7 c lones 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. G comparison using labial salivary glands and perip heral blood showed that the predominant expression of V alpha 2, V alp ha 11.1, and V alpha 17.1 gene segments is specific in the salivary gl ands. Conclusion. The TCR Vol 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.