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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Expansion and Enrichment of Gamma-Delta (γδ) T Cells from Apheresed Human Product
Published on: September 22, 2021
gammadelta T cells: a new frontier for immunotherapy?
Lawrence S Lamb1, Richard D Lopez
1Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, 32594-0006, USA. lslamb@uabmc.edu
Abstract:
The use of cytolytic effector cells as therapy for malignant disease has been a central focus of basic and clinical research for nearly 2 decades. Since the original descriptions of in vitro lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity against human tumor cells, there have been numerous attempts to exploit such observations for therapeutic use, with decidedly mixed results. Most studies have focused on the role of either natural killer cells or cytotoxic CD8 + alphabeta T cells as the primary mediators of antitumor cytotoxicity, and until recently little attention has been paid to the role of gammadelta T cells in this capacity. This is partially due to a lack of understanding of the mechanisms of gammadelta T-cell immune responses to tumors, as well as the practical problem of obtaining a sufficient number of gammadelta T cells for clinical-scale administration. In this article, we discuss the biological and clinical rationale for developing gammadelta T cell-based immunotherapies for the treatment of a variety of malignant conditions. It is our view that infusing supraphysiological numbers of tumor-reactive gammadelta T cells-either in the autologous or allogeneic setting-might be used to restore or augment innate immune responses against malignancies. Accordingly, we will also discuss how we and others are working to overcome some of the practical limitations that have so far limited the direct clinical delivery of highly purified human gammadelta T cells for the treatment of both hematologic and solid tumors.
Insights
Gammadelta T cells show promise for cancer immunotherapy by augmenting innate immune responses against malignancies. Research is overcoming challenges to deliver these cells for treating blood and solid tumors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cell Therapy
Background:
- Cytolytic effector cells have been researched for cancer therapy for two decades.
- Previous research focused on natural killer cells and CD8+ T cells, with limited attention to gammadelta T cells.
- Understanding gammadelta T cell tumor responses and obtaining sufficient cells for clinical use have been challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the biological and clinical rationale for gammadelta T cell-based immunotherapies.
- To explore the potential of gammadelta T cells in treating various malignant conditions.
- To address practical limitations hindering the clinical application of gammadelta T cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on gammadelta T cell cytotoxicity and tumor immunology.
- Discussion of strategies to overcome challenges in gammadelta T cell isolation and expansion.
- Exploration of autologous and allogeneic approaches for gammadelta T cell therapy.
Main Results:
- Gammadelta T cells can mediate antitumor cytotoxicity and augment innate immune responses.
- Infusing supraphysiological numbers of tumor-reactive gammadelta T cells may restore antitumor immunity.
- Progress is being made in overcoming practical limitations for clinical delivery.
Conclusions:
- Gammadelta T cells represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
- Further research and technological advancements are needed to fully realize the potential of gammadelta T cell therapy.
- Gammadelta T cell therapy holds potential for treating both hematologic and solid tumors.
