Antigen recognition by human gamma delta T lymphocytes

Mature T lymphocytes carrying the conventional alpha beta T cell receptor ( TCR) recognize peptide antigens in the context of MHC class I (CD8+) and MH C class II (CD4+) antigens, respectively, In striking contrast, human gamma delta T lymphocytes recognize unconventional antigens via their heterodime ric TCR in a non-MHC-restricted fashion. In this brief review, we discuss r ecent progress in the identification of ligands that are specifically recog nized by human gamma delta T cells. II appears that gamma delta T cells hav e evolved to supplement the cellular immune response towards antigens that are not seen by alpha beta T lymphocytes, Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.