Human T Cell Subset Found to be Promising Anti-Viral Agent
Gamma-Delta T cells are an unconventional subset of immune cells comprising Vδ2+ T cells which form the predominant human γδ T-cell population and responsible for mediating T-cell receptor (TCR)-dependent anti-microbial and anti-tumour immunity.
Now, researchers at the University of Birmingham identified a unique role of these lesser known cells. Through animal studies, the scientists have been able elucidate that these T cells detected signs of the virus infection in the body thereby increasing in numbers and becoming ‘licensed to kill’.
Lead Author Dr Martin Davey, of the Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, said: “These cells can clearly adapt to some key challenges that life throws at them. Upon viral infection, they change from harmless precursors into what appear to be ruthless killers. They can then access tissues, where we believe they detect and destroy virally infected target cells.”
The research builds on a previous investigation by the team that suggested these cells can adapt in the face of infectious challenges. And therefore, now, the team aimed at better understanding the scenarios when these unconventional killer T cells are most important and how to harness them to advance treatments to fight viral infections.
Dr Davey added: “We think these cells contribute to defence against viral infection in the liver, a site which is exposed to many potentially dangerous infectious diseases.
“They may also be particularly important when other aspects of our immune system are not working at full strength, such as in newborn babies, but also in transplant patients who are taking immunosuppressive drugs to prevent organ rejection.
“In these scenarios, boosting the activity of these cells could prove beneficial to patients, and we are now starting to explore how to do that.”
