In contrast to αβ T cells, γδ T cell activation is MHC-unrestricted and relies on the detection  of various host cell-derived molecules or exogenous pathogens by both TCR and non-TCR receptors. γδ T cells represent the earliest source of IFNγ secretion in the tumor microenvironment and recent transcriptome analyses of human tumors reveal that high γδ T infiltration has the best prognostic value in comparison to other immune subsets. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are the major subtype of blood γδ T cells and are activated by non-peptidic phosphorylated metabolites, called phosphoantigens (pAgs), produced by transformed or infected cells.

During this presentation we will address 1) the role of these cells as prognostic markers in various hematological and solid tumors ; 2) their mechanismm of action against tumors ; 3) clinical trials in solid tumors and leukemias.