Human γδ T cells -: Candidates for the development of immunotherapeutic strategies

A numerically small subset of human T lymphocytes expresses a gamma delta T cell receptor (TCR). These gamma delta T cells share certain effector functions with ap T cells as well as with NK cells and NKT cells. The major peripheral blood 78 T cell subset in healthy adults expresses a V gamma 9V delta 2 TCR, which recognizes small phosphorylated metabolites referred to as phosphoantigens. V delta 1 gamma delta T cells mainly occur in the intestine. They recognize the stress-induced MICA/B and CD1c. Furthermore, gamma delta T cells express a variety of NK cell and pattern-recognition receptors which are responsible for the "fine-tuning" of effector functions. In recent years, gamma delta T cells start to emerge as a rewarding target for immunotherapeutic strategies against viral infections and cancer. A better understanding of factors that modulate gamma delta T cell function will further eluminate the potential of these cells.