Abstract
It is clear that γδ T cells, especially IEL, play more than an accessory role to αβ T cells in immune responses at mucosal borders. They are clearly unique and required for protective immune responses and repair of damaged epithelium. In fact, their role in epithelial surveillance, response and repair may reflect a fundamental role for this lineage of T cells in the overall homeostasis of microenvironments that comprise the mucosal barriers of the host. The consequence of this would make them ideal targets for therapeutic intervention in irreversible and degenerative diseases of the lung and other mucosal environments. In the near future it is anticipated that we will make definitive connections between their physiological stimuli and patterns of responsiveness. Once this is accomplished we may finally be able to construct a more comprehensive map of the functions of T cell immunity in host defense and homeostasis.
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