Analysis of the T cell receptor Vβ repertoire in human aortic aneurysms Original Research Article

Human aortic aneurysm is commonly characterized by the presence of advanced atherosclerosis associated with variable chronic adventitial inflammation. Histological examination of human aortic aneurysmal specimens revealed the presence of plasma cells and lymphoid aggregates in media and adventitia of the vessels. Immunostaining further demonstrated that CD3-positive T lymphocytes are present in follicles. Using a highly sensitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction amplification method, the T cell receptor (TCR) Vβ gene expression in aortic aneurysms was shown to be polyclonal. Furthermore, there was no preferential expression of any TCR Vβ gene in the aortic tissue as compared with that in peripheral blood in aneurysmal patients. These results indicate that the TCR repertoire in aortic aneurysm is not restricted.