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

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