Decreased gene expression of common γ-chain receptor (CD132) in tissues of Crohn’s disease patients

Background: A deficiency of γδ T cells has been described in Crohn's disease (CD). Our goal was to analyze the gene expression of IL-7 and its receptors in tissues of patients with CD. Methods We studied the peripheral blood of 80 patients with Crohn's disease, comparing them with a group of 80 healthy subjects. The number and apoptosis of αβ and γδ T cells in peripheral blood and the proportion of αβ and γδ T cells in intestinal tissues of CD patients (n = 25) were studied. IL-7 gene expression, IL-7 protein, common γ-chain receptor (CD132), receptor α (CD127) and caspase 3 in tissues were analyzed by qPCR. Serum IL-7 levels were analyzed. Results An increase in apoptosis of CD56 + αβ and γδ T cells in peripheral blood was observed, beside IL-7 gene expression and IL-7 protein in tissues of these patients were increased. The titers of caspase 3 in tissues were low. The number of γδ T cells decreased, and was directly related to IL-7 levels in peripheral blood. The expression of common γ-chain receptor (CD132) is greatly decreased in the tissues of Crohn's disease patients. Conclusion There may be a cause-effect relationship between the lower gene expression of the common receptor of the γ chain (CD132) and this immunodeficiency.