Mechanisms and Applications of γδ T Cells in Anti-Tumor Immunity

γδ T cells represent a distinctive subset of immune cells with considerable promise in cancer immunotherapy. They recognize a broad spectrum of tumor-associated antigens via non-major histocompatibility complex (non-MHC) pathways and exert antitumor effects by inducing apoptosis, directly lysing tumor cells, and modulating other immune components. This unique antigen-recognition capacity has spurred extensive efforts to harness γδ T cells for innovative immunotherapeutic applications. Consequently, their use in cancer treatment is gaining increasing traction. Researchers have employed genetic engineering and other strategies to enhance γδ T cell anti-tumor efficacy and have begun evaluating their potential in clinical trials. However, this therapeutic approach faces notable challenges, including interindividual variability in response and risk of adverse effects. Future research should aim to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of γδ T cells across different tumor types and improve their safety and efficacy in clinical settings. This review synthesizes recent advances in γδ T cell research, examining their roles in tumor recognition, cytotoxicity, immunoregulation, and anti-tumor immunity. It further evaluates preclinical and clinical evidence to assess the therapeutic potential of γδ T cell-based cancer immunotherapies.