β2 Integrins differentially regulate γδ T cell subset thymic development and peripheral maintenance

Significance γδ T cells reside in barrier tissues and provide immune protection against infection and cancer. Their antitumor potential has led to recent advances in the development of γδ T cell immunotherapy. However, our understanding of the basic biology of these cells, including which molecules and pathways control their maintenance within barrier tissues, remains poor. We demonstrate that β2 integrin adhesion molecules play a major role in regulating γδ T cell subset numbers during homeostasis: the loss of β2 integrin expression results in a striking increase in IL-17–producing γδ T cells in the lungs and uterus due to enhanced survival. These findings illustrate a mechanism of γδ T cell regulation that may have significant implications for immunotherapy development.