Human gammadelta T-lymphocytes are believed to regulate local immune defense and enhance resistance against invading microbes, although their precise function remains unknown. Herein, we addressed the question whether gammadelta T-lymphocytes mediate these processes via synthesis of MMP-7, a protease closely associated with both epithelial repair and mucosal defense. Blood and bronchoalveolar gammadelta T-lymphocytes were cultured in the absence and presence of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) or TGF-beta1/IL-15 for 24 h, and assessed for the expression and synthesis of MMP-1, MMP-7, and MMP-9. Resting human gammadelta T-lymphocytes constitutively expressed MMP-9 mRNA, a marginal or no MMP-7 and MMP-1 mRNA. In the presence of IPP (3 microg/ml), expression of MMP-7 mRNA significantly increased, whereas TGF-beta1/IL-15 had no effect. Further, quiescent gammadelta T-lymphocytes obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid showed a weak or no MMP-7 mRNA signal which was raised significantly following stimulation with IPP. In Western blot analysis, a 28-kDa pro-matrilysin could be detected both in cell lysates (2 days) and supernatants (5 days) with a four- to sevenfold increased signal following IPP-stimulation of the gammadelta T-lymphocytes. In conclusion, the data demonstrate for the first time that both human blood and BAL gammadelta T-lymphocytes express MMP-7 mRNA and synthesize MMP-7-protein. This unfolds a new perspective for the understanding of gammadelta T-lymphocyte function.