Immune Regulatory Networks and Therapy of γδ T Cells in Liver Cancer: Recent Trends and Advancements

J Clin Transl Hepatol. 2024 Mar 28;12(3):287-297. doi: 10.14218/JCTH.2023.00355. Epub 2024 Jan 8.

Abstract

The roles of γδ T cells in liver cancer, especially in the potential function of immunotherapy due to their direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells and secretion of important cytokines and chemokines, have aroused research interest. This review briefly describes the basic characteristics of γδ T cells, focusing on their diverse effects on liver cancer. In particular, different subtypes of γδ T cells have diverse or even opposite effects on liver cancer. We provide a detailed description of the immune regulatory network of γδ T cells in liver cancer from two aspects: immune components and nonimmune components. The interactions between various components in this immune regulatory network are dynamic and pluralistic, ultimately determining the biological effects of γδ T cells in liver cancer. We also integrate the current knowledge of γδ T-cell immunotherapy for liver cancer treatment, emphasizing the potential of these cells in liver cancer immunotherapy.

Keywords: Immunotherapy; Liver cancer; Tumor microenvironment; γδ T cells.

Publication types

  • Review