Open Accessγδ T cells in cancer: a small population of lymphocytes with big implications
Author(s) -
Raverdeau Mathilde,
Cunningham Stephen P,
Harmon Cathal,
Lynch Lydia
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
clinical and translational immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.321
H-Index - 34
ISSN - 2050-0068
DOI - 10.1002/cti2.1080
Subject(s) - cancer , biology , cancer cell , cancer immunotherapy , immunology , population , cancer research , metastasis , immunotherapy , t cell , immune system , medicine , genetics , environmental health
γδ T cells are a small population of mostly tissue‐resident lymphocytes, with both innate and adaptive properties. These unique features make them particularly attractive candidates for the development of new cellular therapy targeted against tumor development. Nevertheless, γδ T cells may play dual roles in cancer, promoting cancer development on the one hand, while participating in antitumor immunity on the other hand. In mice, γδ T‐cell subsets preferentially produce IL ‐17 or IFN ‐γ. While antitumor functions of murine γδ T cells can be attributed to IFN ‐γ + γδ T cells, recent studies have implicated IL ‐17 + γδ T cells in tumor growth and metastasis. However, in humans, IL ‐17‐producing γδ T cells are rare and most studies have attributed a protective role to γδ T cells against cancer. In this review, we will present the current knowledge and most recent findings on γδ T‐cell functions in mouse models of tumor development and human cancers. We will also discuss their potential as cellular immunotherapy against cancer.