Investigation of T cell receptors in the peripheral blood of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract

T cells have the capability of recognizing target cells through their T cell receptors (TCRs). Thus, the percentages of CD3 / gamma-delta () TCR and CD3 / alpha-beta () TCR T lymphocytes were investigated in active and inactive pulmonary tuberculosis (PT) patients and in healthy individuals. CD3 and CD3 / TCR cell percentages were significantly lower in all PT patients than in healthy subjects. Percentages of CD3 / and CD3/ TCR were not statistically different between active and inactive PT patients. It was concluded that TCR T cells might have a protective role in tuberculosis infection.