γδ T Lymphocytes—Selectable Cells Within the Innate System?

Abstract

Lymphocytes expressing gammadelta T cell receptors (TCR) constitute an entire system of functionally specialized subsets that have been implicated in the regulation of immune responses, including responses to pathogens and allergens, and in tissue repair. The gammadelta TCRs share structural features with adaptive receptors and peripheral selection of gammadelta T cells occurs. Nevertheless, their specificities may be primarily directed at self-determinants, and the responses of gammadelta T cells exhibit innate characteristics. Continuous cross talk between gammadelta T cells and myeloid cells is evident in histological studies and in in vitro co-culture experiments, suggesting that gammadelta T cells play a functional role as an integral component of the innate immune system.