TCRγδ cells and viruses

Abstract

T-cell receptor gammadelta cells (TCRgammadelta) are often found in increased numbers during the course of several viral infections in humans. Although these findings suggest an important role for this unique subset, their precise function has not been ascertained. Recent studies in murine models of both RNA and DNA virus infections have begun to shed new light on the potential function for TCRgammadelta cells in antiviral immunity. It is clear that TCRgammadelta cells participate in the immune response to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza, Sendai, coxsackie, vaccinia, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) viral infections since they become activated and home to the sites of viral replication. In this review we will summarize current efforts to dissect the role of TCRgammadelta cells in these disease settings, emphasizing the effector functions utilized, the TCR repertoire, and the antigens recognized. Particular focus will be placed on HSV-1 infections where we have begun to address these issues and have shown that TCRgammadelta cells are sufficient for protection from lethal infection and are able to recognize the herpes virus antigen glycoprotein I.