Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Functional spectrum of γδ T cells in perinatal infectious diseases
Ines Lorga1, Ximena Léon-Lara1, Sarina Ravens2
1Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
Insights
Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are crucial early immune cells. This review details their development and diverse functions, highlighting their vital role in protecting newborns.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are an early T cell lineage, present from birth.
- Distinct developmental waves during gestation shape γδ T cells with specific functions.
- These cells are critical for immune homeostasis and early-life protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on γδ T cell development and maturation.
- To summarize the functional roles of γδ T cells in utero and postnatally.
- To emphasize the importance of γδ T cells for early-life immunity.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, summarizing existing research.
- Key literature on γδ T cell development, function, and roles was analyzed.
- Information on effector responses and immune regulation was synthesized.
Main Results:
- γδ T cells exhibit restricted T cell receptor (TCR) diversity during development.
- They possess robust and diverse effector functions, including cytotoxicity and cytokine production.
- These cells contribute significantly to pathogen defense and tissue homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- γδ T cells are developmentally imprinted with specific functions.
- Their functional diversity is essential for immune competence in neonates.
- γδ T cells provide crucial protection in early life.
Abstract:
γδ T cells represent one of the earliest T cell lineages to develop and persist as long-lived cells after birth. During gestation, distinct developmental waves generate γδ T cells with restricted TCR diversity and pre-set effector functions to mediate immune homeostasis and protection in early life. This review summarizes current knowledge on γδ T cell development, their postnatal maturation, and functional roles in utero and after birth. It highlights their robust and diverse effector responses, including cytotoxicity, cytokine production, and immune regulation, and their contribution to pathogen defense and tissue homeostasis. Together, these perspectives emphasize the functional diversity and developmental imprinting of γδ T cells, underscoring their importance for early-life immune competence and protection in vulnerable neonates.
More Related Videos
08:10Isolation and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Gamma Delta T Cells
Published on: February 6, 2017
08:04Development of an IFN-γ ELISpot Assay to Assess Varicella-Zoster Virus-specific Cell-mediated Immunity Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
Published on: July 9, 2014
Related Concept Videos
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
01:15Transcytosis of IgG
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...