The complex existence of γδ T cells following transplantation: the good, the bad and the simply confusing

Abstract

Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are a highly heterogeneous population of lymphocytes that exhibit innate and adaptive immune properties. Despite comprising the majority of residing lymphocytes in many organs, the role of γδ T cells in transplantation outcomes is under-researched. γδ T cells can recognise a diverse array of ligands and exert disparate effector functions. As such, they may potentially contribute to both allograft acceptance and rejection, as well as impacting on infection and post-transplant malignancy. Here, we review the current literature on the role and function of γδ T cells following solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.