Pharmaceutical Technology

Gamma-delta (γδ) T cells make up on average 4–5% of T cells found in human peripheral blood (1). Two different types predominate; one that is largely found in organs and tissues, and another found in blood. Unlike regular T cells, γδ-T cells function independent of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and recognize a wide variety of ligand molecules using multiple T-cell (TCR), innate (e.g., NKG2D), toll-like, and Fc (CD16) receptors. As a result, they are involved in immune responses against both pathogens and tumor cells, while also playing a role in homeostasis, wound healing, and aging.