Selective death of T cell receptor γ/δ+ intraepithelial lymphocytes by apoptosis

Abstract

In mice, the majority of Tcells expressing the γ/δ Tcell receptor (TcR) are found at mucosal surfaces, especially the intestinal epithelium. Here we show that in vitro, the majority of TcR γ/δ⁺ intraepithelial lymphocytes, but not TcR α/β⁺ intraepithelial lymphocytes, undergo rapid and selective programmed cell death by apoptosis.