γδ T cells in rheumatic diseases: from fundamental mechanisms to autoimmunity

Semin Immunopathol. 2019 Sep;41(5):595-605. doi: 10.1007/s00281-019-00752-5. Epub 2019 Sep 10.

Abstract

The innate and adaptive arms of the immune system tightly regulate immune responses in order to maintain homeostasis and host defense. The interaction between those two systems is critical in the activation and suppression of immune responses which if unchecked may lead to chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. γδ T cells are non-conventional lymphocytes, which express T cell receptor (TCR) γδ chains on their surface and straddle between innate and adaptive immunity. Recent advances in of γδ T cell biology have allowed us to expand our understanding of γδ T cell in the dysregulation of immune responses and the development of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on γδ T cells and their roles in skin and joint inflammation as commonly observed in rheumatic diseases.

Keywords: Autoimmune diseases; Bone remodeling; Psoriatic arthritis; Skin and joint inflammation; T cell receptor (TCR); γδ T cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity
  • Animals
  • Autoimmunity
  • Disease Susceptibility*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Mice
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / metabolism*
  • Rheumatic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Rheumatic Diseases / etiology*
  • Rheumatic Diseases / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism*

Substances

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