Gamma delta T cells and dendritic cells: close partners and biological adjuvants for new therapies

Curr Mol Med. 2007 Nov;7(7):658-73. doi: 10.2174/156652407782564345.

Abstract

The knowledge of several signals influencing Dendritic Cell (DC) functions is crucial to manipulate the immune system for new vaccination therapies. Our recent findings provide a new model of intervention on DC system suggesting novel therapeutic implications. T, NK, and gammadelta T cell stimuli may enhance DC maturation, Th polarization and trigger the adaptive immune response. Regulatory effects of gammadelta T cells on inflammation and immune responses may be mediated by their interaction with DCs and they are analyzed in the last years in humans and mice. In humans, Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells represent the most part of circulating gammadelta T cells and are activated by non-peptidic molecules derived from different microorganisms or abnormal metabolic routes. They share both NK-like and effector/memory T cell features, and among these the possibility to interact with DCs. Co-culture of immature DCs with activated Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells allows DCs to acquire features of mature DCs complementing the migratory activity, up-regulating the chemokine receptors, and antigen presentation. Similarly to the NK-derived signals, DC activation is mostly mediated by soluble factors secreted by gammadelta T cells. Many non-peptidic molecules including nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates and pyrophosphomonoester drugs stimulate the activity of Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells in vitro and in vivo. The relatively low in vivo toxicity of many of these drugs makes possible novel vaccine and immune-based strategies, through DCs, for infectious and neoplastic diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Communication / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / cytology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / trends*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / physiology*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta