Targeting γδ T lymphocytes for cancer immunotherapy: from novel mechanistic insight to clinical application

Abundant interferon-γ secretion, potent cytotoxicity, and major histocompatibility complex-independent targeting of a large spectrum of tumors make γδ T cells attractive mediators of cancer immunotherapy. However, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor cell recognition and γδ T-cell activation is required to improve the limited success of γδ T-cell-mediated treatments. Here, we review key advances in basic knowledge made over the past 3 years, and summarize the results of γδ T-cell-based clinical trials concluded to date. We also highlight new research directions on the basis of the modulation of receptors that control the function of γδ T cells.