T cell receptor vβ repertoire of double‐negative α/β t cells in patients with systemic sclerosis

Abstract
Objective. To analyze the T cell receptor Vβ gene on double‐negative (DN) α/β T cells, which are increased in number, on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).Methods. The DN α/β T cells were sorted by flow cytometry from PBL obtained from 3 patients with SSc. The Vβ repertoire was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction.Results. Only 1 or 2 Vβ genes (Vβ5/7, 5, or 17) were predominantly expressed on DN α/β T cells from these 3 patients.Conclusion. The Vβ repertoire on DN α/β T cells in PBL from patients with SSc is rather restricted.