Gammadelta T cells in host defense and epithelial cell biology

Recent studies have demonstrated increased numbers of gammadelta T cells in a variety of human infectious as well as noninfectious diseases. In some cases gammadelta T cells could be shown to destroy infected or transformed cells. Advances in the identification of ligands recognized by gammadelta T cells and the development of animal model systems to study these cells in vivo should overcome some of the major obstacles currently preventing a better understanding of gammadelta T cell function in immune responses. As we gain this knowledge it may become possible to design therapeutic strategies exploiting unique properties of gammadelta T cells to promote more effective immunity.