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Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Expansion and Enrichment of Gamma-Delta γδ T Cells from Apheresed Human Product
Published on: September 22, 2021
The Ambiguous Role of γδ T Lymphocytes in Antitumor Immunity
Guranda Chitadze1, Hans-Heinrich Oberg1, Daniela Wesch1
1Institute of Immunology, University of Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Strasse 3, Building 17, 24105 Kiel, Germany.
Abstract:
γδ T cells play a role in immune surveillance because they recognize stress-induced surface molecules and metabolic intermediates that are frequently dysregulated in transformed cells. Hence, γδ T cells have attracted much interest as effector cells in cell-based immunotherapy. Recently, however, it has been realized that γδ T cells can also promote tumorigenesis through various mechanisms including regulatory activity and IL-17 production. In this review we outline both the pathways involved in cancer cell recognition and killing by γδ T cells as well as current evidence for their protumorigenic activity in various models. Finally, we discuss strategies to improve the tumor reactivity of γδ T cells and to counteract their protumorigenic activities, which should open improved perspectives for their clinical application.
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