In an attempt to characterize TCR V gene usage in human periodontally diseased tissue. Vα2, Vβ5.2–3, Vβ5.3, Vβ5.1, Vβ6.7, Vβ8 and Vβ12.1 expressions were examined. Serial cryostat sections obtained from 20 periodontitis and 9 gingivitis biopsies were then reacted with monoclonal antibodies directed to each repertoire. The technique was combined with a sensitive alkaline phosphatase‐anti‐alkaline phosphatase method. Peripheral blood was obtained from 10 periodontitis and 2 gingivitis patients. TCR repertoire was also quantified by flow cytofluorography with FITC‐conjugated antibodies. Cells displaying binding of each antibody were counted. The proportions to CD3‐positive cells were then calculated. The pattern of each TCR V gene product expression in inflamed gingiva exhibited individual variation, nevertheless, a consistent pattern emerged. The Vβ5 subfamily and Vβ6.7 were frequently used repertoires in gingiva, whereas the Vα2 and Vβ8 subfamily were underexpressed in most cases. Furthermore, the TCR V gene product expression in gingival tissue was biased compared with autologous peripheral blood. Three of 10 periodontitis subjects showed 1 or 2 strikingly overrepresented repertoire comparatively with autologous blood. In these 3 subjects Vβ6.7 was overexpressed in two cases and 5.2–3, Vβ8 and Vβ12.1 were overexpressed in one case. These results suggest that gingival T‐cells are not randomly mobilized from peripheral blood and that local events influence the TCR repertoire at the level of T‐cell re