Bovine T cells: A historical odyssey of αβ and γδ T cell differentiation and regulation

The field of bovine immunology has made significant strides in understanding the biology and function of T cells, which are crucial players in shaping cattle’s immune responses. Over several decades, major progress has been made in defining the pathways of T cell differentiation, mapping the specialized functions of T helper (Th) subsets, elucidating the roles of intraepithelial lymphocytes (T-IELs) within mucosal immunity, and characterizing the distinctive biology of γδ T cells, which constitute a prominent T cell population in cattle. Foundational investigations revealed that bovine T cells exhibit unique features compared to their counterparts in other species, including distinctive developmental pathways, receptor repertoires, regulatory mechanisms, and the high abundance and functional specialization of γδ T cell subsets. Despite pivotal advances—including the identification of memory subsets via markers like CD45 isoforms—critical knowledge gaps remain regarding how these cells execute their functions in the context of disease, tissue-specific interactions, developmental cues, and coordinated αβ and γδ T cell responses. Emerging debates center on the relative contribution of various T cell subsets to immune protection and disease resistance, as well as the translation of intricate mechanistic findings into practical veterinary applications.This Research Topic aims to synthesize historical insights and the latest scientific advances to build a comprehensive understanding of bovine T cell differentiation, regulation, and function across both αβ and γδ T cell lineages. Central goals include defining the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which bovine T cells respond to pathogenic challenges, interact with the broader immune system, and establish tissue-specific immunity. The topic also seeks to highlight how technological innovations—such as single-cell analysis, advanced imaging, and high-dimensional profiling—are transforming our ability to identify unique features of bovine T cell subsets and their regulatory networks. Key questions include how historical discoveries inform current models of T cell function and which unresolved challenges hold promise for advancing both basic and translational immunology.The scope of this Research Topic is focused on mechanistic and translational aspects of bovine T cell biology, with an emphasis on comparative and innovative research approaches. We especially encourage work that integrates historical context with contemporary discoveries and highlights the species-specific intricacies of cattle T cell development and regulation, including comparative analyses of αβ and γδ T cell subsets. To gather further insights into the molecular, cellular, and functional boundaries of bovine T cell biology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:-Pathways of αβ and γδ T cell differentiation and lineage commitment in bovines-Functional specialization and plasticity of Th subsets, cytotoxic T cells, and γδ T cells-Roles and mechanisms of intraepithelial lymphocytes in tissue immunity-Memory T cell formation, maintenance, and signaling-Species-specific receptor repertoires and co-receptor usage in T cells-Comparative immunological features between bovine and non-bovine T cells-Application of advanced technologies in mechanistic T cell studies-Immune synapse formation, transcriptional, and epigenetic regulation-Implications for disease resistance, health management, and vaccine developmentWe welcome original research, comprehensive reviews, and methodological papers that advance understanding of bovine T cell regulation, differentiation, and homeostasis. The topic editors declare no conflict of interest Topic editors: Zhengguo Xiao, Gagandeep Singh, Dirk Werling Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78341/bovine-t-cells-a-historical-odyssey-of-and-t-cell-differentiation-and-regulation