γδ cells are an unconventional subtype of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Although less common than other lymphocytes, these cells play a crucial role in various immune system responses, including the production of large amounts of interferon-γ and IL-17A, which are molecules with distinct roles in the development of diseases such as cancer, infections, and autoimmune disorders. Given their critical role in immune response, it’s not surprising that understanding how these cells are regulated in disease contexts is a priority for scientific research.
In a study published in Nature Immunology, Daniel Inácio from the Ribot & Silva-Santos Lab used a genome-wide transcriptomic analysis approach to investigate the differences between γδ cell subtypes that produce interferon-γ and IL-17A, which drive distinct immune responses. The study identified a set of 20 genes that are specifically active in each of these cell subtypes. This discovery could be key to better understanding the function of each subtype in immune system regulation and disease contexts.
The research team, led by Bruno Silva-Santos and Anita Gomes, further validated the relevance of these genes in preclinical models of malaria and multiple sclerosis, reinforcing their importance for studying the role of γδ cells in disease.