Cytotoxic α/β+ and γ/δ+ T cells in murine intestinal epithelium

Abstract
Murine intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) consist of two main populations. Approximately half are Thy-1+, most of which are CD3+, T cell receptor (TcR) α/β+, and the remainder are Thy-1, most of which are CD3+, TcR α/β (presumably TcR γ/δ+). In redirected cytotoxicity assays, TcR α/β+ IEL are potent cytotoxic effectors. Thy-1, CD3+, TcR α/β IEL isolated from athymic mice are also cytotoxic. Thus, regardless of TcR usage or Thy-1 expression, IEL are cytotoxic effectors.