γδ T cells in prostate cancer

Abstract

γδ T cells are a distinct subset of T lymphocytes that recognize and attack cancer cells without needing major histocompatibility complex molecules, making them particularly useful against tumors that evade conventional immune detection. This chapter examines the role of γδ T cells in prostate cancer, especially their potential application in treating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. γδ T cells exert cytotoxic effects through the recognition of stress-induced ligands and metabolic byproducts like phosphoantigens and the secretion of critical cytokines, including interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. Recent advances in γδ T cell-based immunotherapies, particularly in combination with agents such as zoledronate bisphosphonate that enhances tumor recognition, show promising preclinical results. However, obstacles such as the suppressive tumor microenvironment and immune evasion mechanisms remain significant. This chapter highlights the therapeutic potential of γδ T cells in prostate cancer and the need for further research to optimize these approaches.

Keywords: Adoptive cell therapy; Immunosurveillance; Prostate cancer; γδ T cells.