Perforin Expression by Cutaneous Gamma Delta T Cells
August 2020
in “
Frontiers in Immunology
”
TLDR Gamma delta T cells in the skin help with healing and defense but can also cause autoimmune issues, and more research is needed to understand how they are activated.
The document reviews the role of gamma delta (GD) T cells in the skin, highlighting their expression of Perforin and Perforin-2, which are proteins that contribute to cell cytotoxicity. GD T cells are involved in skin inflammation, wound healing, antimicrobial defense, and can eliminate tumors and virally infected cells. They are also implicated in autoimmune diseases. The review notes that while the cytotoxic capabilities of GD T cells against tumors and their potential to develop into aggressive lymphomas are recognized, the mechanisms regulating Perforin production and activation in these cells remain unclear. Additionally, the document discusses how GD T cells are recruited to the epidermis in psoriasis and contribute to disease progression through the production of IL-17 and IL-22. It suggests that further research is needed to understand the signals that activate Perforin expression in GD T cells, which is crucial for elucidating their roles in skin immunity and health.
