IL-2-dependent expansion of CD3+ large granular lymphocytes expressing T cell receptor-gamma delta. Evidence for a functional receptor by anti-CD3 activation of cytolysis

The nature and function of the TCR on PBL of a patient with a chronic CD3+ large granular (LGL) proliferation was studied. Fresh peripheral blood from this individual was comprised of 80% lymphocytes, 65 to 75% of which were CD3+, CD8+, Leu-7+ LGL. Of these LGL, 72% initially expressed the TCR-alpha beta heterodimer, whereas 21% did not. Cytotoxicity directed against MHC-unrestricted targets was minimal. After several days of exposure to rIL-2, cytotoxic activity was greatly enhanced, correlating with a disappearance of CD3+ cells expressing the alpha beta heterodimer. Twelve days after rIL-2 exposure, the LGL expressed only TCR-gamma delta heterodimer in association with CD3 and alpha beta heterodimer expression could no longer be detected. The TCR/CD3 complex on these cells was demonstrated to be functional as anti-CD3 elicited an increase in cytoplasmic free calcium concentration, stimulated cytolytic activity, and stimulated granule enzyme secretion from the LGL.