Comparative Biology of gamma delta T Cell Function in Humans, Mice, and Domestic Animals

gamma delta T cells are a functionally heterogeneous population and contribute to many early immune responses. The majority of their activity is described in humans and mice, but the immune systems of all jawed vertebrates include the gamma delta T cell lineage. Although some aspects of gamma delta T cells vary between species, critical roles in early immune responses are often conserved. Common features of gamma delta T cells include innate receptor expression, antigen presentation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine production. Herein we compare studies describing these conserved gamma delta T cell functions and other, potentially unique, functions. gamma delta T cells are well documented for their potential immunotherapeutic properties; however, these proposed therapies are often focused on human diseases and the mouse models thereof. This review consolidates some of these studies with those in other animals to provide a consensus for the current understanding of gamma delta T cell function across species.