Role of gammadelta T cells in protecting normal airway function

Abstract

Abstract Since their discovery 15 years ago, the role of γδ T cells has remained somewhat elusive. Responses of γδ T cells have been found in numerous infectious and non-infectious diseases. New evidence points to γδ T cells' functioning in the airways to maintain normal airway responsiveness or tone. In the lung, distinct subsets of γδ T cell subsets seem to have specific roles, one subset promoting allergic inflammation, the other serving a protective role.

Keywords

• γδ T cells
• asthma
• airway hyper-responsiveness
• lymphocytes