The distribution of T cells using the V beta 2 gene was studied in a group of 99 humans. The distribution of V beta 2+CD4+ levels was bimodal. Twelve individuals had levels of V beta 2+CD4+ less than 2% and 86 others had values greater than 5%. Only one individual had a value between 2% and 5%. The V beta 2 low (mean 1.3 +/- 0.49) and V beta 2 high (mean 8.2 +/- 1.65) phenotypes were stable. The V beta 2 low phenotype is inherited and not limited to HLA or T cell receptor V beta gene complexes. The CD8V beta 2 levels of CD4V beta 2 low individuals are also low. The residual V beta 2+ T cells in V beta 2 low individuals were not anergic to V beta 2-specific stimulation. These data are compatible with the effects of an endogenous superantigen.

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SUMMARYThe TCR repertoire of human CD8+ peripheral blood lymphocytes has been determined using MoAbs to the V)32, 3,5.1,5.2/5.3,6.7,8,12 and 19(17) Vj8 gene families. The CD8 T cell repertoire for V/?2 and V^3 is shown to be skewed, with an excess of individuals having higher values than are consistent with a normal distribution. A significant majority of these individuals are over the age of 40. High values of V)3 CD8+ cells were found for each V^ family studied except for 6.7a. Individual high values are stable for at least 12 months. In addition, the total percentage of CD4 and CD8 cells reacting with this panel of reagents was determined. There is a significant excess of V^+ CD4+ cells (33%) over CD8+V/?+ cells (21-9%). Thus the human CD8 V/? repertoire differs from the human CD4 repertoire in a number of important ways.