Antigen recognition by human gammadelta T lymphocytes

Abstract

Mature T lymphocytes carrying the conventional alphabeta T cell receptor (TCR) recognize peptide antigens in the context of MHC class I (CD8+) and MHC class II (CD4+) antigens, respectively. In striking contrast, human gammadelta T lymphocytes recognize unconventional antigens via their heterodimeric TCR in a non-MHC-restricted fashion. In this brief review, we discuss recent progress in the identification of ligands that are specifically recognized by human gammadelta T cells. It appears that gammadelta T cells have evolved to supplement the cellular immune response towards antigens that are not seen by alphabeta T lymphocytes.