Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2025

Generation of Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumors and Ex vivo Characterization of Tumor-Infiltrating T Cell Cytotoxicity
Published on: December 7, 2019
γδ T cells and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis: a love-hate relationship in the tumor microenvironment
Jian Liu1, Min Wu2, Yifan Yang1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Gamma delta (γδ) T cells demonstrate strong cytotoxicity against diverse cancer cell types in an MHC-independent manner, rendering them promising contenders for cancer therapy. Although amplification and adoptive transfer of γδ T cells are being evaluated in the clinic, their therapeutic efficacy remains unsatisfactory, primarily due to the influence of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Currently, the utilization of targeted therapeutic antibodies against inhibitory immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules is a viable approach to counteract the immunosuppressive consequences of the TME. Notably, PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors are considered primary treatment options for diverse malignancies, with the objective of preserving the response of αβ T cells. However, γδ T cells also infiltrate various human cancers and are important participants in cancer immunity, thereby influencing patient prognosis. Hence, it is imperative to comprehend the reciprocal impact of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis on γδ T cells. This understanding can serve as a therapeutic foundation for improving γδ T cells adoptive transfer therapy and may offer a novel avenue for future combined immunotherapeutic approaches.
Insights
Gamma delta (γδ) T cells show promise in cancer therapy but are hindered by the tumor microenvironment. Understanding the PD-1/PD-L1 axis impact on γδ T cells is crucial for improving immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Cancer Immunotherapy
Background:
- Gamma delta (γδ) T cells possess inherent anti-cancer cytotoxicity, independent of MHC.
- Their therapeutic potential is limited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME).
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like PD-1/PD-L1 blockers are established cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reciprocal interaction between the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and γδ T cells in cancer.
- To explore the potential of targeting this axis to enhance γδ T cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on γδ T cells, TME, and PD-1/PD-L1 pathway.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical data regarding γδ T cell function and immune checkpoint expression.
Main Results:
- γδ T cells infiltrate human tumors and contribute to anti-cancer immunity.
- The PD-1/PD-L1 axis influences γδ T cell function and infiltration within the TME.
- Limited data exists on the direct impact of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade on γδ T cells.
Conclusions:
- Comprehending the PD-1/PD-L1 axis's effect on γδ T cells is essential for optimizing adoptive transfer therapies.
- Targeting this axis may represent a novel strategy for combined immunotherapeutic approaches against cancer.
More Related Videos
09:01Analysis of Human T Cell Activity in an Allogeneic Co-Culture Setting of Pre-Treated Tumor Cells
Published on: March 7, 2025
07:44Studying the Effects of Tumor-Secreted Paracrine Ligands on Macrophage Activation using Co-Culture with Permeable Membrane Supports
Published on: November 28, 2019
Related Concept Videos
The Tumor Microenvironment
Tumor Immunotherapy
Abnormal Proliferation
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...