γδ T cells are a subpopulation of lymphocytes expressing heterodimeric T-cell receptors composed of γ and δ chains. They are morphologically and functionally heterogeneous, innate yet also adaptive in behavior, and exhibit diverse activities spanning immunosurveillance, immunomodulation, and direct cytotoxicity. The specific responses of γδ T cells to allografts are yet to be fully elucidated with evidence of both detrimental and tolerogenic roles in different settings. Here we present an overview of γδ T-cell literature, consider ways in which their functional heterogeneity contributes to the outcomes after transplantation, and reflect on methods to harness their beneficial properties.
Journal article
Transplantation
12/2018
102
1983 - 1993
Animals, Graft Rejection, Graft Survival, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Humans, Organ Transplantation, Phenotype, Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta, Signal Transduction, T-Lymphocyte Subsets, Transplantation Tolerance, Treatment Outcome