Abstract
γδ T cells are the unique T cell subgroup with their T cell receptors composed of γ chain and δ chain. Unlike αβ T cells, γδ T cells are non-MHC-restricted in recognizing tumor antigens, and therefore defined as innate immune cells. Activated γδ T cells can promote the anti-tumor function of adaptive immune cells. They are considered as a bridge between adaptive immunity and innate immunity. However, several other studies have shown that γδ T cells can also promote tumor progression by inhibiting anti-tumor response. Therefore, γδ T cells may have both anti-tumor and tumor-promoting effects. In order to clarify this contradiction, in this review, we summarized the functions of the main subsets of human γδ T cells in how they exhibit their respective anti-tumor or pro-tumor effects in cancer. Then, we reviewed recent γδ T cell-based anti-tumor immunotherapy. Finally, we summarized the existing problems and prospect of this immunotherapy.
Keywords:
human; immunity; immunotherapy; tumor; γδ T cells.
Copyright © 2021 Li, Li, Zhang, Wu and Chen.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Adaptive Immunity
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Antigen Presentation
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Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology
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Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / immunology*
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Clinical Trials as Topic
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Coculture Techniques
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Dendritic Cells / immunology
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Gene Rearrangement, delta-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
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Gene Rearrangement, gamma-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
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Humans
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Immunity, Innate
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Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods
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Intraepithelial Lymphocytes / chemistry
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Intraepithelial Lymphocytes / classification
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Intraepithelial Lymphocytes / immunology*
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Leukocyte Common Antigens / analysis
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Lymphocyte Activation
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Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / immunology*
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Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating / metabolism
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Lymphokines / physiology
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Neoplasms / etiology*
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Neoplasms / immunology
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Neoplasms / prevention & control
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Neoplasms / therapy
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / analysis
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / genetics
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T-Lymphocyte Subsets / chemistry
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T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
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Tumor Microenvironment / immunology
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Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7 / analysis
Substances
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Antigens, Neoplasm
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Lymphokines
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta
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Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7
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Leukocyte Common Antigens