Pregnancy and gamma/delta T cells: Taking on the hard questions

Loss of Intra-Epithelial Endocervical Gamma Delta (GD) 1 T Cells in HIV-Infected Women

“…The concomitant expression of effector and regulatory molecules implies that these “activated yet resting” natural IELs may gain a full activation status to serve self-antigen-directed protective and/or regulatory functions 8, 41 . Well described regulatory phenotype of human decidual GD T cells (secretion of IL-10 and TGF beta) clearly supports GD T cell potential to contribute toward maintenance of non-inflammatory micro-environment 11, 12, 47 . Involvement of other cell subsets, like B cells, in supporting GD T cells regulatory phenotype should be considered in the future studies, since the role of B cells in the establishment tolerance at the fetal-maternal interface is well recognized 48, 49 .…”

Regulation of Cytokine Production by γδ T Cells

“…[127]. IL-1β is suggested to be important for the implantation of blastocytes in the uterine cavity, while IL-6 seems to promote a Th2 response in pregnancy [127,75]. In contrast to human decidual Vδ1 T cells, murine γδ T cells produce IFN-γ, TNF-α, and probably IL-2 at an early preimplantation stage, and TGF-β and IL-10 during the later implantation phase and placenta formation [128].…”

“…Furthermore, decidual CD56 + Vδ1 T cells almost exclusively express TGF-β and IL-10 mRNA, whereas CD56 -Vδ1 T cells express increased amounts of TGF-β and IL-10 mRNA, and additionally IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA during later pregnancy. [127]. IL-1β is suggested to be important for the implantation of blastocytes in the uterine cavity, while IL-6 seems to promote a Th2 response in pregnancy [127,75].…”

“…Additionally, activated γδ T cells are known to kill a variety of transformed cells playing a role in the immune defense against tumor cells [140]. Interestingly, γδ T cells have been found among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) producing TGF-β and IL-10 [127,141]. Additionally, Vδ1 T cells from ovarian tumors release IFN-γ upon challenge with MICA-expressing tumor cells [45,142].…”

Demystifying Animal Models of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Touching Bench and Bedside

“…Some studies have found no alteration during pregnancy 97 while other studies have found the sheep produces pregnancy-specific agents that can suppress immune responses 98 . In human pregnancy, there is a systemic turnover of a subtype of T cells, bearing gamma and delta chain T cell receptor in the peripheral blood 99 . These gamma-delta T cells are also present in the deciduas 100 and may play a role in fetal protection 101 .…”