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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
Tissue Engineering of Tumor Stromal Microenvironment with Application to Cancer Cell Invasion
Published on: March 18, 2014
γδ cells and tumor microenvironment: A helpful or a dangerous liason?
Elena Lo Presti1,2, Roberto Di Mitri3, Gabriele Pizzolato1,2
1Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Abstract:
γδ T cells are a subset of T lymphocytes that have been implicated in immunosurveillance against infections and tumors. γδ T cells are endowed with antitumor activities, and hence several γδ T cell-based small-scale clinical trials have been conducted either by in vivo activation by intravenous administration of aminobiphosphonates or by adoptive transfer of in vitro expanded γδ T cells. Although both these strategies have yielded promising results, there are a number of limitations associated with each of them which, if overcome may help to further improve efficacy. One of the most important limits is the possible polarization of tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells toward different γδ T cells population with functional activities that help the progression and spread of the tumor. Here, we review the modalities and the possible mechanisms involved in the polarization of tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells upon interaction with several components of the tumor microenvironment and discuss their implications for the manipulation of γδ T cells in cancer immunotherapy.
Insights
Gamma delta (γδ) T cells show promise in cancer immunotherapy. However, their effectiveness is limited by polarization within the tumor microenvironment, potentially hindering anti-tumor activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cancer Research
- Cellular Therapy
Background:
- Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are crucial for immune surveillance against infections and tumors.
- Existing γδ T cell therapies include in vivo activation and adoptive transfer, showing promising results.
- Limitations in current γδ T cell strategies need to be addressed to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of γδ T cell polarization within the tumor microenvironment.
- To discuss the implications of γδ T cell polarization for cancer immunotherapy.
- To explore strategies for manipulating γδ T cells to improve anti-tumor responses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on γδ T cell polarization.
- Analysis of interactions between γδ T cells and tumor microenvironment components.
- Discussion of potential therapeutic manipulations of γδ T cells.
Main Results:
- Tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells can polarize into distinct populations.
- This polarization can be influenced by various tumor microenvironment factors.
- Polarized γδ T cells may exhibit functional activities that promote tumor progression.
Conclusions:
- Understanding γδ T cell polarization is critical for optimizing cancer immunotherapy.
- Targeting the tumor microenvironment may help redirect γδ T cell functions towards anti-tumor activity.
- Further research is needed to harness the full potential of γδ T cells in cancer treatment.
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