RT-PCR based analysis of T-cell receptor B variable region gene usage in normal human breast skin resident T lymphocytes (SRT)

The skin interfaces directly with the external environment that contains innumerable infectious agents. Therefore, an appropriate and rapid immunologic response is required to preserve internal homeostasis. An essential feature of the 'skin immune system' (SIS) is the presence of substantial numbers of T cells in normal skin, The T-cell receptor repertoire from normal human breast skin was analysed quantitatively and qualitatively by using PCR amplification of reverse transcribed RNA, T-cell receptor BV3 and BV14 gene usage was increased in skin T lymphocytes in all individuals tested (n = 8) compared to peripheral blood CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes from the same individuals. The T-cell receptor junctional diversity analysed by high resolution gel electrophoresis showed skin T-cell BV3 and BV14 gene usage to be predominantly polyclonal. Superantigen stimulation of T cells in human skin is considered a likely explanation of the present finding.