GAMMA-DELTA T-CELLS IN HOST-DEFENSE AND EPITHELIAL-CELL BIOLOGY

Recent studies have demonstrated increased numbers of gamma delta T ce lls in a variety of human infectious as well as noninfectious diseases . In some cases gamma delta T cells could be shown to destroy infected or transformed cells. Advances in the identification of ligands recog nized by gamma delta T cells and the development of animal model syste ms to study these cells in vivo should overcome some of the major obst acles currently preventing a better understanding of gamma delta T cel l function in immune responses. As we gain this knowledge it may becom e possible to design therapeutic strategies exploiting unique properti es of gamma delta T cells to promote more effective immunity. (C) 1998 Academic Press.