Role of gamma delta T Cells in health and disease

This Research Topic links to, "Role of gamma delta T cells in cancer immunotherapy" as a continuation of the research themes here.Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are a unique type of T lymphocyte with distinctive γ and δ T-cell receptor chains, acting as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. They make up about 1–10% of T cells in human blood but are more abundant in epithelial and mucosal areas like the skin, gut, lungs, and reproductive tract. These cells respond quickly to stressed, infected, or abnormal cells through an antigen recognition method that bypasses traditional MHC pathways. Advances in molecular markers and single-cell technology have deepened understanding of their development, diversity, and functions, paving the way for targeted treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and more by focusing on specific γδ T subsets or developmental routes. Antigen-presenting cells, cytokines, or CARs can keep them active, proliferating, and fighting cancer, enabling efficient large-scale expansion for therapies. Non-engineered methods rely on in vivo or ex vivo growth with targeted activation signals, while engineered approaches use CARs, TCR gene transfer, bispecific engagers, and gene editing to address challenges such as persistence and immunosuppression. These strategies aim to produce ready-to-use immunotherapies with broad applications. Ongoing clinical trials are leveraging their MHC-independent ability to detect tumor-associated and stress ligands, thereby triggering tumor killing, cytokine release, and immune modulation. New advances are making it easier to maintain activation and scale up growth, reinforcing their potential as a powerful option for cancer and other diseases.This research focuses on understanding the role of γδ T cells in cell-based therapies for cancer, autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and other health conditions, with an emphasis on advanced preclinical and clinical studies. Key goals include investigating The biological mechanisms of γδ T cells, creating new methods for their expansion and activation, and assessing their potential as effective treatments. To gather further insights into the application of γδ T cells in cell-based immunotherapy, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Biological mechanisms and functions of γδ T cells in cell-based therapy- Novel methodologies for the expansion and activation of γδ T cells- Clinical trial studies and case reports on γδ T cell-based therapies- Combination therapies involving γδ T cells and other treatments- Challenges and opportunities in the clinical application of γδ T cells- Comparative studies between γδ T cells and other cell-based therapies Topic editors: Dr. Kawaljit Kaur, Ilan Bank Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81194/role-of-gamma-delta-t-cells-in-health-and-disease