T-cell receptor Vα gene expression of infiltrating T cells in pancreatic cancer

Background: T lymphocytes play a central role in the immune response to cancer, with specific T-cell reactivity provided by the T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha beta-chain heterodimer. Whereas human pancreatic adenocarcinoma is characterized by a massive infiltration of T lymphocytes, to date no analysis of the TCR V alpha-gene expression of the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in pancreatic cancer has been performed. Methods: Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by dot blot hybridization, we determined the TCR alpha-chain repertoire at the mRNA level in pancreatic carcinoma and compared our findings with the TCR V alpha repertoire in the normal pancreas and chronic pancreatitis. Results: A heterogeneous lowly restricted TCR V alpha repertoire was observed in pancreatic carcinomas, different from the TCR V alpha repertoire in chronic pancreatitis. Conclusions: Pancreas-infiltrating T cells show a distinct TCR V alpha gene expression profile in normal pancreas, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer.