The complex existence of γδ T cells following transplantation: the good, the bad and the simply confusing

Clin Transl Immunology. 2019 Sep 17;8(9):e1078. doi: 10.1002/cti2.1078. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are a highly heterogeneous population of lymphocytes that exhibit innate and adaptive immune properties. Despite comprising the majority of residing lymphocytes in many organs, the role of γδ T cells in transplantation outcomes is under-researched. γδ T cells can recognise a diverse array of ligands and exert disparate effector functions. As such, they may potentially contribute to both allograft acceptance and rejection, as well as impacting on infection and post-transplant malignancy. Here, we review the current literature on the role and function of γδ T cells following solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Keywords: gamma delta T cells; graft‐versus‐host disease; transplant immunology.

Publication types

  • Review