Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Expansion of Human Peripheral Blood γδ T Cells using Zoledronate
Published on: September 9, 2011
The importance of gamma delta T cells in the resolution of pathogen-induced inflammatory immune responses
1University of Pennsylvania, Department of Clinical Studies, Philadelphia, USA. s.r.carding@bmb.leeds.ac.uk
The aim of our research is to determine the biological function of gamma delta lymphocytes and in particular the role they play in microbial immunity. Although evidence of gamma delta T-cell activation and expansion has been obtained from numerous infectious diseases, how they contribute to pathogen-induced immune responses is still not clear. Based upon extensive studies of gamma delta T-cell involvement in the immune response to viral and bacterial pathogens in both mice and humans, we have uncovered evidence of their direct involvement in terminating host immune responses to infection and preventing chronic disease. We have identified an interaction between peripheral gamma delta T cells and a population of activated, proinflammatory macrophages elicited by infection that occurs late in the course of infection during or after pathogen clearance. As a result of this interaction, activated gamma delta T cells acquire cytotoxic activity and kill the stimulatory macrophages, leading us to propose a model for gamma delta T-cell-macrophage interactions that contributes to macrophage homeostasis, the resolution of inflammatory immune responses, and prevention of chronic inflammatory disease.
The aim of our research is to determine the biological function of gamma delta lymphocytes and in particular the role they play in microbial immunity. Although evidence of gamma delta T-cell activation and expansion has been obtained from numerous infectious diseases, how they contribute to pathogen-induced immune responses is still not clear. Based upon extensive studies of gamma delta T-cell involvement in the immune response to viral and bacterial pathogens in both mice and humans, we have uncovered evidence of their direct involvement in terminating host immune responses to infection and preventing chronic disease. We have identified an interaction between peripheral gamma delta T cells and a population of activated, proinflammatory macrophages elicited by infection that occurs late in the course of infection during or after pathogen clearance. As a result of this interaction, activated gamma delta T cells acquire cytotoxic activity and kill the stimulatory macrophages, leading us to propose a model for gamma delta T-cell-macrophage interactions that contributes to macrophage homeostasis, the resolution of inflammatory immune responses, and prevention of chronic inflammatory disease.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions

