A lab study has been published about a special type of immune cell called gamma delta (γδ) T cells, which are of particular interest because they can fight against various types of cancer cells, including those resistant to chemotherapy. The researchers focused on γδ T cells derived from umbilical cord blood, as these cells are more diverse and less differentiated than those from adult blood, making them more adaptable and potentially more effective in fighting cancer.
The researchers expanded (or grew more of) these cord blood γδ T cells in the lab using a modified process called a Rapid Expansion Protocol (REP). They then studied these cells in great detail to see how they changed and differentiated in response to this expansion process.
They found that the γδ T cells differentiated into different types, with some cells acquiring features of tissue-resident memory precursor cells (TRM precursors), which are capable of ‘remembering’ pathogens and triggering a quick immune response upon re-encounter. Some cells also developed features of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which help alert other immune cells to the presence of a threat like a cancer cell.
Interestingly, they found that there were two different types of γδ T cells, referred to as Vδ2+ and Vδ2-. These two types behaved differently when they were expanded in the lab: a larger proportion of Vδ2- cells differentiated into cytotoxic effector cells, which are cells capable of killing cancer cells directly. This means that, overall, the Vδ2- cells were more lethal to cancer cells than the Vδ2+ cells.
The authors believe that understanding these differences between the two types of γδ T cells could help improve cell manufacturing processes for use in therapies. For instance, being able to select and expand γδ T cells with the right properties could help make more effective treatments for cancer.
In summary, the study revealed that γδ T cells from cord blood are a promising source of cells for adoptive cellular immunotherapy (ACT), a type of cancer treatment where immune cells are given to patients to boost their own immune response to cancer. This is because they can be expanded in the lab and differentiate into various cell types with anti-cancer properties. However, more research is needed to fully understand the differentiation process and how to optimally use these cells in therapy.