γδ T Cells Participating in Nervous Systems: A Story of Jekyll and Hyde

Front Immunol. 2021 Mar 31:12:656097. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.656097. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

γδ T cells are distributed in various lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues, and act as early responders in many conditions. Previous studies have proven their significant roles in infection, cancer, autoimmune diseases and tissue maintenance. Recently, accumulating researches have highlighted the crosstalk between γδ T cells and nervous systems. In these reports, γδ T cells maintain some physiological functions of central nervous system by secreting interleukin (IL) 17, and neurons like nociceptors can in turn regulate the activity of γδ T cells. Moreover, γδ T cells are involved in neuroinflammation such as stroke and multiple sclerosis. This review illustrates the relationship between γδ T cells and nervous systems in physiological and pathological conditions.

Keywords: IL-17; anxiety; neuroinflammation; nociceptors; short-term memory; γδ T cells.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Cell Communication / immunology
  • Central Nervous System / immunology*
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Disease Susceptibility / immunology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Organ Specificity
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta