In vitro evaluation of γδ T cells regulatory function in Behçet's disease patients and healthy controls.

CD8-positive γδ T lymphocytes (GDCD8(+)) are specifically increased in peripheral blood of Behçet's disease (BD) patients. GDCD8(+) have shown a T regulatory (Treg) function in autoimmune experimental models, human tumor infiltrates and intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes from celiac patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Treg function of GDCD8(+) and GDCD8(-), freshly isolated from peripheral blood, in comparison to CD4(+)CD25(high) naturally occurring Treg cells (nTreg) in BD and healthy controls (HC).