γδ T cells in pediatric sepsis

Pediatric sepsis has constantly increased over the world, and is now a leading cause of children's morbidity and mortality. Due to this alarming trend, intense research has been sparked into the unique characteristics of pediatric sepsis, the mechanisms behind the immune dysfunction, and opportunities for improving treatment. Recent findings have underscored the critical role of γδ T cells in the immune response, and their dysfunction has been linked to various diseases, including pediatric sepsis. This review explores γδ T-cell dysfunction in pediatric sepsis, focusing on their impaired activation, proliferation, altered cytokine production, exhaustion, and apoptosis, all of which collectively weaken the immune response in children. The review underscores the significance of γδ T-cell immunology in pediatric sepsis and highlights the notable functional disparities between children and adults. Ongoing research is essential to fully understand the role of γδ T cells in the pathogenesis of sepsis and to develop more effective treatments that will enhance outcomes for affected children.