Variable Region Usage in T Lymphocytes Infiltrating Liver Tissues of Chronic Liver Diseases

To analyze the T cell repertoire of liver-infiltrating lymphocytes, 35 liver biopsy specimens taken for diagnostic purposes were stained by immunohistochemical technique using monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against CD3, CD8, CD45RO, and CD45RA and seven different variable (V) regions of the T cell receptor (TCR). Major populations of the infiltrating lymphocytes were CD3- and CD45RO- positive cells. The mean percentage (±SD) of Vβ5.1-positive cells was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in chronic hepatitis C (18.2 ± 13.3%, n = 15) than that in either chronic hepatitis B (5.7 ± 6.0%, n = 12) or autoimmune hepatitis (1.3 ± 1.2%, n = 3). In cases with primary biliary cirrhosis, only one case showed a high percentage (66%) of Vβ5.1-positive cells with mean ± SD of 19.3 ± 26.2% (n = 5). The percentages of Vβ5.1-positive cells correlated inversely with the Knodell histological activity index scores in cases with chronic hepatitis C. These data suggest that Vβ5.1-positive T cells may play a regulatory role in the immuno-pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C.