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Foyle KL, Robertson SA. Gamma delta (γδ) T cells in the female reproductive tract: active participants or indifferent bystanders in reproductive success? DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 3:kyae004. [PMID: 38863792 PMCID: PMC11165432 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The female reproductive tract accommodates and balances the unique immunological challenges of protection from sexually transmitted pathogens and tolerance of the fetus and placenta in pregnancy. Leukocytes in the female reproductive tract actively engage in extensive maternal adaptations that are imperative for embryo implantation, placental development, and fetal growth support. γδ T cells are abundant at many mucosal sites in the body, where they provide protection against pathogens and cancer, and have roles in tissue renewal and homeostasis. In this review, we summarize studies in humans and rodents showing that γδ T cells are prevalent in the female reproductive tract and fluctuate in response to hormone changes across the reproductive cycle. Emerging evidence points to a link between changes in their abundance and molecular repertoire in the uterus and pregnancy disorders including recurrent miscarriage and preterm birth. However, defining the precise functional role of female reproductive tract γδ T cells and understanding their physiological significance in reproduction and pregnancy have remained elusive. Here, we critically analyze whether reproductive tract γδ T cells could be active participants in reproductive events-or whether their principal function is immune defense, in which case they may compromise pregnancy success unless adequately regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie L Foyle
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Azimnasab-Sorkhabi P, Soltani-Asl M, Soleiman Ekhtiyari M, Kfoury Junior JR. Landscape of unconventional γδ T cell subsets in cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:238. [PMID: 38289417 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09267-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
T cells are broadly categorized into two groups, namely conventional and unconventional T cells. Conventional T cells are the most prevalent and well-studied subset of T cells. On the other hand, unconventional T cells exhibit diverse functions shared between innate and adaptive immune cells. During recent decades, γδ T cells have received attention for their roles in cancer immunity. These cells can detect various molecules, such as lipids and metabolites. Also, they are known for their distinctive ability to recognize and target cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This feature of γδ T cells could provide a unique therapeutic tool to fight against cancer. Understanding the role of γδ T cells in TME is essential to prepare the groundwork to use γδ T cells for clinical purposes. Here, we provide recent knowledge regarding the role γδ T cell subsets in different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviz Azimnasab-Sorkhabi
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maryam Soltani-Asl
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Jose Roberto Kfoury Junior
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Aidoo EK, Aboagye FT, Agginie GE, Botchway FA, Osei-Adjei G, Appiah M, Takyi RD, Sakyi SA, Amoah L, Arthur G, Lawson BW, Asmah RH, Boateng P, Ansah O, Krogfelt KA. Malaria elimination in Ghana: recommendations for reactive case detection strategy implementation in a low endemic area of Asutsuare, Ghana. Malar J 2024; 23:5. [PMID: 38167067 PMCID: PMC10759473 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04792-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progress toward malaria elimination is increasing as many countries near zero indigenous malaria cases. In settings nearing elimination, interventions will be most effective at interrupting transmission when targeted at the residual foci of transmission. These foci may be missed due to asymptomatic infections. To solve this problem, the World Health Organization recommends reactive case detection (RACD). This case study was conducted to identify individuals with asymptomatic malaria, their predisposing risk factors and recommend RACD in Asutsuare, Ghana based on literature review and a cross sectional study. METHODS The study involved a search on PubMed and Google Scholar of literature published between 1st January, 2009-14th August, 2023 using the search terms "malaria" in "Asutsuare". Furthermore, structured questionnaires were administered to one hundred individuals without symptoms of malaria and screened using rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits, microscopy and real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR). Malaria prevalence based on the three diagnostic techniques as well as potential malaria risk factors were assessed through questionnaires in a cross-sectional study. RESULTS Cumulatively, sixty-four (64) studies (Google Scholar, 57 and PubMed, 7) were reviewed and 22 studies included in the literature on malaria in Asutsuare, Ghana. Significant risk factors were occupation, distance from a house to a waterbody, age group and educational level. Out of the 100 samples, 3 (3%) were positive by RDT, 6 (6%) by microscopy and 9 (9%) by rt-PCR. Ages 5-14.9 years had the highest mean malaria parasite densities of 560 parasites/µl with Plasmodium falciparum as the dominant species in 4 participants. Moreover, in the age group ≥ 15, 2 participants (1 each) harboured P. falciparum and Plasmodium malariae parasites. RDT had a higher sensitivity (76.54%; CI95 66.82-85.54) than rt-PCR (33.33%; CI95 4.33-77.72), while both rt-PCR and RDT were observed to have a higher specificity (92.55; CI95 85.26-96.95) and (97.30; CI95 93.87-99.13), respectively in the diagnosis of malaria. CONCLUSION In Asutsuare, Ghana, a low endemic area, the elimination of malaria may require finding individuals with asymptomatic infections. Given the low prevalence of asymptomatic individuals identified in this study and as repleted in the literature review, which favours RACD, Asutsuare is a possible setting receptive for RACD implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frank Twum Aboagye
- Bio-Medical and Public Health Research Unit, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - Water Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
| | - George Edem Agginie
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Felix Abekah Botchway
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - George Osei-Adjei
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michael Appiah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ruth Duku Takyi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Samuel Asamoah Sakyi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Linda Amoah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - George Arthur
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bernard Walter Lawson
- Department of Theoretical & Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, University Post Office, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richard Harry Asmah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Science, University of Health & Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Paul Boateng
- National Malaria Elimination Programme, Accra, Ghana
| | - Otubea Ansah
- National Malaria Elimination Programme, Accra, Ghana
| | - Karen Angeliki Krogfelt
- Department of Science and Environment, Unit of Molecular and Medical Biology, The PandemiX Center, Roskilde University, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Hu Y, Hu Q, Li Y, Lu L, Xiang Z, Yin Z, Kabelitz D, Wu Y. γδ T cells: origin and fate, subsets, diseases and immunotherapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:434. [PMID: 37989744 PMCID: PMC10663641 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01653-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The intricacy of diseases, shaped by intrinsic processes like immune system exhaustion and hyperactivation, highlights the potential of immune renormalization as a promising strategy in disease treatment. In recent years, our primary focus has centered on γδ T cell-based immunotherapy, particularly pioneering the use of allogeneic Vδ2+ γδ T cells for treating late-stage solid tumors and tuberculosis patients. However, we recognize untapped potential and optimization opportunities to fully harness γδ T cell effector functions in immunotherapy. This review aims to thoroughly examine γδ T cell immunology and its role in diseases. Initially, we elucidate functional differences between γδ T cells and their αβ T cell counterparts. We also provide an overview of major milestones in γδ T cell research since their discovery in 1984. Furthermore, we delve into the intricate biological processes governing their origin, development, fate decisions, and T cell receptor (TCR) rearrangement within the thymus. By examining the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor functions of distinct γδ T cell subtypes based on γδTCR structure or cytokine release, we emphasize the importance of accurate subtyping in understanding γδ T cell function. We also explore the microenvironment-dependent functions of γδ T cell subsets, particularly in infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, hematological malignancies, and solid tumors. Finally, we propose future strategies for utilizing allogeneic γδ T cells in tumor immunotherapy. Through this comprehensive review, we aim to provide readers with a holistic understanding of the molecular fundamentals and translational research frontiers of γδ T cells, ultimately contributing to further advancements in harnessing the therapeutic potential of γδ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Hu
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Qinglin Hu
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Yongsheng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Zheng Xiang
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Zhinan Yin
- Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China.
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Yangzhe Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China.
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Eiz-Vesper B, Ravens S, Maecker-Kolhoff B. αβ and γδ T-cell responses to Epstein-Barr Virus: insights in immunocompetence, immune failure and therapeutic augmentation in transplant patients. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 82:102305. [PMID: 36963323 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a human gamma herpes virus, which causes several diseases in immunocompetent (mononucleosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, gastric cancer, endemic Burkitt's lymphoma, head and neck cancer) and immunosuppressed (post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, EBV-associated soft tissue tumors) patients. It elicits a complex humoral and cellular immune response with both innate and adaptive immune components. Substantial progress has been made in understanding the interplay of immune cells in EBV-associated diseases in recent years, and several therapeutic approaches have been developed to augment cellular immunity toward EBV for control of EBV-associated malignancy. This review will focus on recent developments in immunosuppressed transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Eiz-Vesper
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Germany; CRC900 Microbial persistence and its control; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF)
| | - Sarina Ravens
- CRC900 Microbial persistence and its control; Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Britta Maecker-Kolhoff
- CRC900 Microbial persistence and its control; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Germany.
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Prinz I, Koenecke C. Antigen-specific γδ T cells contribute to cytomegalovirus control after stem cell transplantation. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 82:102303. [PMID: 36947903 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
γδ T cells support the immunological control of viral infections, in particular during cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in immunocompromised patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It is unclear how γδ T cells sense CMV-infection and whether this involves specific T cell receptor (TCR)-ligand interaction. Here we summarize recent findings that revealed an adaptive-like anti-CMV immune response of γδ T cells, characterized by acquisition of effector functions and long-lasting clonal expansion. We propose that rather CMV-induced self-antigen than viral antigens trigger γδ TCRs during CMV reactivation. Given that the TCRs of CMV-activated γδ T cells are often cross-reactive to tumor cells, these findings pinpoint γδ T cells and their γδ TCRs as attractive multipurpose tools for antiviral and antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Immo Prinz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Germany; Institute of Systems Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany.
| | - Christian Koenecke
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Germany; Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, MHH, Germany
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