CXCR6 defines a distinct resident state in γδ T cells for protecting from liver cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis, a leading global cause of mortality, is marked by progressive fibrosis and immune dysregulation. Tissue-resident memory T (T RM ) cells, particularly γδ T cells, are emerging as critical regulators of hepatic immunity; however, their role in fibrogenesis remains poorly understood.

Through single-cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry, we show that CD69 + CXCR6 + γδ T cells are enriched in healthy livers and produce IFN-γ and IL-2 but are significantly depleted in cirrhotic tissue, correlating with disease severity. In a murine fibrosis model, CXCR6 + γδ T cells limited fibrosis progression by inducing hepatic stellate cell apoptosis via FasL-Fas signaling. Adoptive transfer of CXCR6 + γδ T cells significantly mitigated fibrosis, whereas CXCR6 - γδ T cells showed no such effect.

Liver-resident CD69 + CXCR6 + γδ T cells constitute a protective immune subset that limits fibrosis development and progression. Enhancing the function or abundance of this population may offer a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for liver cirrhosis.