SELECTIVE COMPARTMENTALIZATION OF GAMMA-DELTA-T LYMPHOCYTES IN HUMAN BREAST-MILK

In human breastmilk, T lymphocytes with gamma delta-receptor (TCR) are more frequent than those with alpha beta-TCR, in comparison with peri pheral blood. Differential representation has also been demonstrated f or subpopulations of gamma delta-T cells. Reactivity was visualized wi th three monoclonal antibodies against V delta 1, V delta 2 and V gamm a 2 on T cells from the breastmilk and peripheral blood of 12 women wh o had recently given birth. Confirming the results with V delta 1, it was found that V delta 1 (p< 0.01) and V gamma 2 (p < 0.05) but not V delta 2 were overrepresented on T cells in milk as compared with blood . This selective compartmentalization seems to reflect the homing of c ertain cells to the mammary gland.