Gammadelta T cells: an alternative type of professional APC

Trends Immunol. 2006 Mar;27(3):112-8. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2006.01.002. Epub 2006 Jan 25.

Abstract

A subtype of activated human gammadelta T cells, termed Vdelta2+ T cells, has antigen-presentation features similar in potency and efficacy to those seen in dendritic cells. Comparable treatment of alphabeta T cells does not result in 'professional' antigen presenting cells (APCs). What is so special about Vdelta2+ T cells? How do they acquire these unexpected properties? Under what physiological conditions would such a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity come into play? In addition to discussing these questions, we introduce a model that correlates the expression of lymph node homing receptors in Vdelta2+ T cells with the involvement of this alternative type of APC in anti-microbial alphabeta T cell responses.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antigen Presentation
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Chemokines / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Models, Immunological
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

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