Immunohistological study of the nasal mucosa with reference to gamma delta-T cells

Abstract

The distribution of gamma delta-T cells (gamma delta-TCR positive cells) in nasal mucosa and polyps was studied in patients with nasal allergy and non-allergic patients. The biopsy specimens from the inferior turbinate and resected polyps were frozen at -70 degrees C and sliced at a thickness of 4 microns with a cryostat. Monoclonal antibodies (CD3 and TCR-gamma delta-1) and the Labelled Streptavidin Biotin method were used to detect T lymphocytes and gamma delta-T cells. The results were as follows: 1) The rate of gamma delta-T cells in the epithelium is higher than that in the lamina propria in patients with nasal allergy. 2) In non-allergic patients, on the other hand, the rate of gamma delta-T cells was almost the same in these layers. 3) The distribution of gamma delta-T cells in nasal polyps was uniform and their rate was relatively high. It has been reported that gamma delta-T cells can recognize a stress antigen such as heat shock protein. These cells are thought to play an important role in non-specific immunoreactions. This study suggests that gamma delta-T cells in the nasal mucosa play an important role also in specific immunoreactions.