Cytotoxic and regulatory properties of circulating Vδ1+ γδ T cells: a new player on the cell therapy field?

Mol Ther. 2014 Aug;22(8):1416-1422. doi: 10.1038/mt.2014.104. Epub 2014 Jun 4.

Abstract

Exploration of cancer immunotherapy strategies that incorporate γδ T cells as primary mediators of antitumor immunity are just beginning to be explored and with a primary focus on the use of manufactured phosphoantigen-stimulated Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Increasing evidence, however, supports a critical role for Vδ1+ γδ T cells, a minor subset in peripheral blood with distinct innate recognition properties that possess powerful tumoricidal activity. They are activated by a host of ligands including stress-induced self-antigens, glycolipids presented by CD1c/d, and potentially many others that currently remain unidentified. In contrast to Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, tumor-reactive Vδ1+ T cells are not as susceptible to activation-induced cell death and can persist in the circulation for many years, potentially offering durable immunity to some cancers. In addition, specific populations of Vδ1+ T cells can also exhibit immunosuppressive and regulatory properties, a function that can also be exploited for therapeutic purposes. This review explores the biology, function, manufacturing strategies, and potential therapeutic role of Vδ1+ T cells. We also discuss clinical experience with Vδ1+ T cells in the setting of cancer, as well as the potential of and barriers to the development of Vδ1+ T cell-based adoptive cell therapy strategies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / blood
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta