Deciphering the Contribution of γδ T Cells to Outcomes in Transplantation

γδ T cells are a subpopulation of lymphocytes expressing heterodimeric T-cell receptors composed of γ and δ chains. They are morphologically and functionally heterogeneous, innate yet also adaptive in behaviour, and exhibit diverse activities spanning immunosurveillance, immunomodulation, and direct cytotoxicity. The specific responses of γδ T cells to allografts are yet to be fully elucidated with evidence of both detrimental and tolerogenic roles in different settings. Here we present an overview of γδ T cell literature, consider ways in which their functional heterogeneity contributes to the outcomes after transplantation, and reflect upon methods to harness their beneficial properties. Correspondence Details: Joanna Hester. Email Address: joanna.hester@nds.ox.ac.uk. Postal Address: Transplantation Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Level 6, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU. Authorship Statement Oliver McCallion: Performed literature review, designed figures and compiled the manuscript. Joanna Hester: Compiled and reviewed the figures and manuscript. Fadi Issa: Compiled and reviewed the figures and manuscript. Disclosure of Interests The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Funding J.H is Kidney Research UK Senior Research Fellow, F.I is an NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer. Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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