Six-of-the-best: unique contributions of gamma delta T cells to immunology

TY - JOUR

T1 - Six-of-the-best: unique contributions of gamma delta T cells to immunology

AU - Vantourout, Pierre

AU - Hayday, Adrian

PY - 2013/2

Y1 - 2013/2

N2 - gamma delta T cells are a unique and conserved population of lymphocytes that have been the subject of a recent explosion of interest owing to their essential contributions to many types of immune response and immunopathology. But what does the integration of recent and long-established studies really tell us about these cells and their place in immunology? The time is ripe to consider the evidence for their unique and crucial functions. We conclude that whereas B cells and alpha beta T cells are commonly thought to contribute primarily to the antigen-specific effector and memory phases of immunity, gamma delta T cells are distinct in that they combine conventional adaptive features (inherent in their T cell receptors and pleiotropic effector functions) with rapid, innate-like responses that can place them in the initiation phase of immune reactions. This underpins a revised perspective on lymphocyte biology and the regulation of imnnunogenicity.

AB - gamma delta T cells are a unique and conserved population of lymphocytes that have been the subject of a recent explosion of interest owing to their essential contributions to many types of immune response and immunopathology. But what does the integration of recent and long-established studies really tell us about these cells and their place in immunology? The time is ripe to consider the evidence for their unique and crucial functions. We conclude that whereas B cells and alpha beta T cells are commonly thought to contribute primarily to the antigen-specific effector and memory phases of immunity, gamma delta T cells are distinct in that they combine conventional adaptive features (inherent in their T cell receptors and pleiotropic effector functions) with rapid, innate-like responses that can place them in the initiation phase of immune reactions. This underpins a revised perspective on lymphocyte biology and the regulation of imnnunogenicity.

KW - PROFESSIONAL ANTIGEN-PRESENTATION

KW - PRENYL PYROPHOSPHATE ANTIGENS

KW - ARYL-HYDROCARBON RECEPTOR

KW - ALPHA-BETA

KW - INNATE IMMUNITY

KW - INTERFERON-GAMMA

KW - DENDRITIC-CELLS

KW - NK CELLS

KW - B-CELLS

KW - STRESS SURVEILLANCE

U2 - 10.1038/nri3384

DO - 10.1038/nri3384

M3 - Literature review

SN - 1474-1733

VL - 13

SP - 88

EP - 100

JO - NATURE REVIEWS IMMUNOLOGY

JF - NATURE REVIEWS IMMUNOLOGY

IS - 2

M1 - N/A

ER -