gamma delta T Cells and the Lymphoid Stress-Surveillance Response

Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature reviewpeer-review

435 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The investigation of gamma delta T cells has identified a rapid lymphoid stress-surveillance response to microbial and nonmicrobial tissue perturbation. In addition to providing local protection, this response provides an immediate source of cytokines, chemokines, and other functions that can substantially affect downstream, adaptive immunity. Recent studies have identified striking mechanisms by which gamma delta cells meet the requirements of stress surveillance. For example, high response frequencies can reflect a unique nature of antigen engagement by the T cell receptor (TCR), developmental focusing of the repertoire by selection events, or the use of nonclonotypic receptors to initiate responses. Likewise, rapid functional deployment can be facilitated by the preprogramming of gamma delta cells during development. Additionally, gamma delta cells can directly influence adaptive immunity by functioning as antigen-presenting cells. With lymphoid stress surveillance likely to underpin numerous aspects of inflammation, tumor immunology, infectious disease, and autoimmunity, this perspective considers its properties and its emerging potential for clinical manipulation.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)184 - 196
Number of pages13
JournalImmunity
Volume31
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Aug 2009

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'gamma delta T Cells and the Lymphoid Stress-Surveillance Response'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this