Blood gamma delta T cells, Campylobacter jejuni, and GM1 titers in Guillain-Barre syndrome

The gamma delta T cells participate in microbial defense, are prevalent in intestinal epithelia, and are activated in autoimmune diseases. We studied whether peripheral blood gamma delta cells and gamma delta subsets are increased in Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and whether elevations are associated with Campylobacter jejuni infection or GM1 elevations. In 20 GBS patients, we performed serial flow cytometry studies of blood gamma delta , V delta 1, and V delta 2 cells (+/-CD8 super(+)), C jejuni, and ganglioside titers. There was no significant difference in median gamma delta T-cell percentages between GBS patients and controls at onset and at convalescence. However, 5 patients had marked V delta 1/CD8 super(+) elevations. Elevated V delta 1 or V delta 1/CD8 super(+) cells occurred in 3 of 6 patients with C jejuni or GM1 titer elevations. A minority of GBS patients have elevations of V delta 1/CD8 super(+) cells, possibly associated with elevated C jejuni or GM1 titers. The gamma delta T cells may have a cytotoxic (or suppressor) role in the disease. Muscle Nerve 30: 423-432, 2004Accepted: 7 July 2004