The contribution of gammadelta T cells to the pathogenesis of EAE and MS

Abstract

Gammadelta T cells are a multifaceted group of cells which have both innate and adaptive characteristics and functions. Although they are most commonly known for their response to mycobacterium and their locations at mucosal sites, their roles in autoimmunity are still unclear. gammadelta T cells have been seen in the CSF and lesions of Multiple Sclerosis patients and although their function is not entirely understood, it is clear these cells may have roles in regulating autoimmune inflammation in the CNS. Recent studies have focused on the role of gammadelta T cells in MS and EAE as both pathogenic and protective, their functions within the CNS, the types of subsets and a possible role in Th17 inflammation. In this review we will examine the data acquired from both human patients and the murine models of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), in order to gain a clear picture of how gammadelta T cells influence pathogenesis of EAE and MS.