Comparative Biology of γδ T Cell Function in Humans, Mice, and Domestic Animals

Abstract

γδ T cells are a functionally heterogeneous population and contribute to many early immune responses. The majority of their activity is described in humans and mice, but the immune systems of all jawed vertebrates include the γδ T cell lineage. Although some aspects of γδ T cells vary between species, critical roles in early immune responses are often conserved. Common features of γδ T cells include innate receptor expression, antigen presentation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine production. Herein we compare studies describing these conserved γδ T cell functions and other, potentially unique, functions. γδ T cells are well documented for their potential immunotherapeutic properties; however, these proposed therapies are often focused on human diseases and the mouse models thereof. This review consolidates some of these studies with those in other animals to provide a consensus for the current understanding of γδ T cell function across species.

Characterization of γδ T Cells from Zebrafish Provides Insights into Their Important Role in Adaptive Humoral Immunity

“…On the other hand, γδ T cells may also be used as a model system to elucidate lymphocyte evolution, which is a key event in adaptive immunity originating from ancient vertebrates to humans (8). To date, γδ T cells have been extensively identified in humans and other mammals, including mice, sheep, cattle, and pigs; nevertheless, their existence or occurrence in ancient vertebrates remains poorly understood (9). Therefore, γδ T cells should be identified in evolutionarily lower vertebrates.…”

Cytotoxic lymphocytes and atherosclerosis: significance, mechanisms and therapeutic challenges

“…Activation, largely but not exclusively by innate mechanisms, initiates or propagates immune responses via cytokine‐ or cytolytic‐dependent mechanisms (Born et al, ; Poggi and Zocchi, ). Mouse and human γδ‐T cells possess many common characteristics that include innate receptor expression, antigen presentation capabilities, cytotoxicity and cytokine production (Holderness et al, ; Vantourout and Hayday, ). γδ‐T cells are composed of a number of subsets.…”

Harnessing γδ T Cells as Natural Immune Modulators

“…Similarly, the first instance of bovine IL-17-producing cells was demonstrated and protects against a related parasite [106]. Indeed, in most instances of protection from pathogens, γδ T cells are similarly protective in humans and other animals [6]. Common features across species provide a rationale for the use of various animal models to test the role and importance of γδ T cells in disease settings of relevance to humans, which will lead to the creation of strategic platforms for γδ T-cell-targeted vaccine development.…”