CELL INTELLIGENCE · 肿瘤细胞治疗研究

Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are a unique subset of T lymphocytes capable of bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Unlike αβ T lymphocytes, γδ T cells bypass the need for Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)-restricted antigen presentation, allowing them to rapidly respond to stress signals in contexts such as infections and cancer. In breast cancer (BC), γδ T cells play a dual role, exhibiting both anti-tumoral and pro-tumoral activities. Their capacity for direct cytotoxicity, cytokine production, and antigen presentation highlights their versatility within the tumor microenvironment (TME).

The prognostic impact of γδ T cells in BC is complex and varies depending on their density, subset, and functional state. While Vδ1 + γδ T cells have been associated with improved survival, particularly in triple-negative BC, other subsets, such as IL-17-producing γδ T cells, contribute to tumor progression, promoting angiogenesis and immune suppression.

The emerging therapeutic potential of γδ T cells resides in their MHC-independent activity and stress antigen recognition, highlighting their potential value in cancer immunotherapy, including adoptive cell therapies (e. g. , chimeric antigen receptor-T approaches).

Additionally, the combination of γδ T cells with immune checkpoint inhibitors or tumor-targeting antibodies has shown promise in overcoming the immunosuppressive challenges of the TME.