Specificity of gamma delta receptor bearing T cells

Abstract

T cells expressing the gamma delta receptor heterodimer can recognize a broad array of different antigens, including classical and non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins, MHC-like CD1 antigens, and bacterial antigens such as the mycobacterial heat shock proteins and staphylococcal enterotoxins. Reactivity to self antigens including autologous stress proteins implicates TCR gamma delta T cells in autoimmune disease. It is as yet unclear whether the responses of gamma delta T cells specific for soluble proteins are restricted by conventional or non-classical MHC molecules. Correlations of TCR gamma delta usage with specificity suggest that, like TCR alpha beta, sequences encoded within both the V regions and the V(D)J junctions are important in determining receptor specificity.