Xiang and Wu review Vγ9Vδ2-T cells in the context of immunotherapy. When activated, Vγ9Vδ2-T cells can directly kill tumor cells in an MHC-independent manner, and can further serve helper functions by priming and modulating immunological responses of other innate and adaptive immune cells. Some evidence, however, suggests that under the influence of the tumor microenvironment, Vγ9Vδ2-T cells can be persuaded into a pro-tumor, Treg-like role.

Vgamma9Vdelta2-T cells are considered as potent effector cells for tumor immunotherapy through directly killing tumor cells and indirectly regulating other innate and adaptive immune cells to establish antitumoral immunity. The antitumoral activity of Vgamma9Vdelta2-T cells is governed by a complicated set of activating and inhibitory cell receptors. In addition, cytokine milieu in tumor microenvironment can also induce the pro-tumoral activities and functional plasticity of Vgamma9Vdelta2-T cells. Here, we review the anti- versus pro-tumoral activities of Vgamma9Vdelta2-T cells and discuss the mechanisms underlying the recognition, activation, differentiation and regulation of Vgamma9Vdelta2-T cells in tumor immunosurveillance. The comprehensive understanding of the dual face of Vgamma9Vdelta2-T cells in tumor immunology may improve the therapeutic efficacy and clinical outcomes of Vgamma9Vdelta2-T cell-based tumor immunotherapy.

Author Info: (1) Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Laboratory for Translational Immunology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong. (2)

Author Info: (1) Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Laboratory for Translational Immunology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong. (2) Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Laboratory for Translational Immunology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.