The Mysterious Actor-γδ T Lymphocytes in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)

Michał K Zarobkiewicz1, Agnieszka A Bojarska-Junak1

  • 1Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.

Cells
|February 25, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) involves abnormal B cells. This review explores the potential of dysfunctional gamma-delta T cells in CLL immunotherapy, despite the disease remaining incurable.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Hematology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a prevalent B-cell malignancy in adults.
  • Current treatments offer progress but have not achieved a cure for CLL.
  • Gamma-delta (γδ) T cells are a distinct subset of cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of γδ T lymphocytes in the context of CLL.
  • To explore the potential of γδ T cells for immunotherapy in CLL patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on γδ T cells and CLL.
  • Analysis of γδ T cell function and characteristics in CLL patients.

Main Results:

  • γδ T cells in CLL exhibit functional impairments.
  • Despite dysfunction, γδ T cells represent a potential avenue for novel immunotherapies.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding γδ T cell biology in CLL is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
  • Immunotherapy targeting γδ T cells may offer future treatment options for incurable CLL.

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