T Cells in the Myenteric Plexus of Achalasia Patients Show a Skewed TCR Repertoire and React to HSV-1 Antigens

These data suggest that the oligoclonal lymphocytic infiltrate within the LES of achalasia patients may represent the trace of an immune-inflammatory reaction triggered by HSV-1 antigens and that the Th1-type cytokines released by the activated lymphocytes may contribute to establish the neuronal damage accounting for the clinical features of idiopathic achalasia.