Current progress in γδ T-cell biology.
T lymphocytes bearing γ- and δ-chain T-cell receptor heterodimers are named γδ T cells. Interestingly, γδ and αβ T cells share the same progenitors, and they undergo a fate decision in the thymus. Functional differentiation of γδ T cells occurs both inside and outside the thymus. Antigen recognition of γδ T-cell receptors is very unique, and the responses frequently exhibit innate characteristics. Nevertheless, peripheral γδ T cells exert a number of effector and regulatory functions. γδ T cells rapidly produce cytokines like interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-17 and promote inflammation, partly due to the inherent epigenetic and transcriptional programs, which facilitates a quick and extensive response. Moreover, γδ T cells lyse target cells directly, and this is necessary for pathogen or tumor clearance. γδ T cells can even serve as regulatory cells, and may contribute to immune suppression. Orchestration of γδ T-cell and other immune cell interactions may be critical for host defense and immune regulation. Recently, γδ T cells have been used for immunotherapy for infectious diseases and malignancy. In this review, we summarize the abstracts presented at the recent γδ T cell Conference held from 19 to 21 May 2010, in Kiel, Germany (please see the website for details: http://www.gammadelta-conference.uni-kiel.de/index.html).
College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
Jianlei
J
Hao
Xiaoli
X
Wu
Siyuan
S
Xia
Zheng
Z
Li
Ti
T
Wen
Na
N
Zhao
Zhenzhou
Z
Wu
Puyue
P
Wang
Liqing
L
Zhao
Zhinan
Z
Yin
D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000276:immunology; D007167:Immunotherapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000276:immunology*
D000941:Antigens; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta