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Abstract

γδ T cells represent a distinctive subset of immune cells with considerable promise in cancer immunotherapy. They recognize a broad spectrum of tumor-associated antigens via non-major histocompatibility complex (non-MHC) pathways and exert antitumor effects by inducing apoptosis, directly lysing tumor cells, and modulating other immune components. This unique antigen-recognition capacity has spurred extensive efforts to harness γδ T cells for innovative immunotherapeutic applications. Consequently, their use in cancer treatment is gaining increasing traction. Researchers have employed genetic engineering and other strategies to enhance γδ T cell anti-tumor efficacy and have begun evaluating their potential in clinical trials. However, this therapeutic approach faces notable challenges, including interindividual variability in response and risk of adverse effects. Future research should aim to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of γδ T cells across different tumor types and improve their safety and efficacy in clinical settings. This review synthesizes recent advances in γδ T cell research, examining their roles in tumor recognition, cytotoxicity, immunoregulation, and anti-tumor immunity. It further evaluates preclinical and clinical evidence to assess the therapeutic potential of γδ T cell-based cancer immunotherapies.

Plain Language Summary

Our immune system includes a wide variety of cells that help defend the body against infections and diseases, including cancer. This article focuses on a special type of immune cell called γδ T cells (pronounced “gamma-delta T cells”), which have unique abilities that make them promising tools for cancer treatment. Unlike other immune cells that need specific markers to recognize harmful cells, γδ T cells can detect signs of stress or damage directly on tumor cells. This means they can respond faster and more broadly to different types of cancer. They also release proteins called cytokines that help coordinate the immune response and can directly kill cancer cells. Researchers are exploring different ways to use γδ T cells to treat cancer. One approach involves collecting these cells from patients or healthy donors, growing them in the lab, and then putting them back into the patient’s body to attack tumors. Another method involves genetically engineering the cells to make them even better at recognizing and destroying cancer cells. Early studies show these treatments are safe, but scientists are still working on making them more effective. The article also discusses how the environment around a tumor—called the tumor microenvironment—can make it harder for immune cells to work. Researchers are now designing strategies to help γδ T cells survive and stay active in these difficult conditions. While these therapies are still in the early stages of testing, they offer new hope for improving cancer treatment. With continued research, γδ T cells could become a powerful part of future cancer therapies, especially when used together with other treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

Keywords

γδ T cells tumor immunity immunotherapy anti-tumor tumor microenvironment

Introduction

According to the GLOBOCAN 2022 report, approximately 20 million new cancer cases were diagnosed globally, reflecting a steady rise compared to previous years and highlighting the persistent global burden of malignancies.^1,2 Despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, cancer continues to rank among the leading causes of mortality, primarily due to the complexity of tumor biology. Hallmarks such as sustained proliferative signaling, resistance to apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastatic potential continue to constrain therapeutic efficacy.³ These obstacles have prompted the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies aimed at overcoming the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME).

γδ T cells have garnered increasing interest due to their unique immunological characteristics. Unlike conventional αβ T cells, γδ T cells recognize stress-induced ligands and tumor-associated antigens independently of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), allowing rapid immune responses without prior antigen processing. They exert multifaceted antitumor activities by producing cytokines, modulating the TME, and directly lysing tumor cells.^4–8 These attributes make γδ T cells an attractive candidate for cancer immunotherapy. However, their clinical translation has been modest compared to the notable successes of αβ CAR-T cell therapy. Factors such as limited cell abundance, functional exhaustion, and immunosuppression within the TME remain significant obstacles to therapeutic efficacy.

Biological Characteristics of γδ T Cells

Subpopulations and Identification of γδ T Cells

γδ T cells represent a distinct subset of T lymphocytes characterized by their γ and δ T-cell receptor (TCR) chains. Although they account for only 0.5%-5% of circulating T cells, they exhibit substantial heterogeneity in tissue distribution and functional specialization.⁹ Human γδ T cells are broadly categorized into Vδ1, Vδ2, Vδ3, and Vδ5 subsets, each associated with different anatomical niches and modes of antigen recognition.¹⁰ (Table 1). Vδ1 T cells are predominantly found in tissues such as the intestinal epithelium and mucosal surfaces. They play a crucial role in maintaining the mucosal barrier and regulating immune responses, thereby contributing to overall immune homeostasis in these regions.¹¹ In contrast, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells predominate in the peripheral blood and uniquely detect metabolic stress in tumor cells through phosphoantigen (pAg) recognition.^12,13 Vδ3 T cells are primarily located in the small intestine and are associated with intestinal immune defense.¹⁴ Vδ1 and Vδ3 T cells recognize glycosphingolipids presented by MHC-related CD1 molecules (CD1b, CD1c, and CD1d) via their TCRs. Unlike Vδ1 T cells, Vδ3 T cells do not recognize CD1b and CD1c. These unconventional recognition pathways enable γδ T cells to operate at the interface of innate and adaptive immunity, swiftly bridging antigen-independent sensing with antigen-specific responses.^15,16 In contrast, Vδ5 T cells recognize the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), establishing a direct link to stress surveillance in epithelial malignancies.¹⁷ These subsets exhibit distinct functional roles and tissue distributions, thereby enhancing the complexity and adaptability of the immune system.

Table 1.

γδ T Cell Subsets and Tumor Immunity.

δ chain	γ chain	Distribution	Tumor immune function
Vδ1	Vγ2、Vγ3、Vγ4、Vγ5、Vγ8 and Vγ9	Peripheral blood、gut, and other epithelial tissues	Recognize tumor antigens, immune surveillance, directly kill tumor cells, immunomodulation
Vδ2	Vγ9	Peripheral blood and liver	Recognize tumor antigens, immune surveillance, directly kill tumor cells, immunomodulation
Vδ3	Vγ2 and Vγ3	Peripheral blood、 liver, and gut	Recognize tumor antigens, directly kill tumor cells, immunomodulation
Vδ5	Vγ4	Peripheral blood	Recognize tumor antigens

A central mechanism of Vγ9Vδ2 T cell activation involves the butyrophilin (BTN) family, particularly BTN3A1 and BTN2A1. Tumor cells with dysregulated mevalonate metabolism accumulate isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and related phosphoantigens (pAgs).^18,19 Butyrophilin 3A1 (BTN3A1) is essential for the phosphoantigen (pAg)-mediated activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. It functions as a sensor that detects intracellular pAgs and transmits activation signals to these T cells.^20,21 Intracellular pAgs bind to the B30.2 domain of BTN3A1, inducing conformational changes that are relayed to the extracellular domain.^22,23 BTN2A1 cooperates with BTN3A1 by directly engaging the Vγ9 chain, thereby stabilizing the immunological synapse between γδ T cells and tumor targets.^24,25 Carrie R. Willcox et al hypothesized that BTN3A1 detects pAgs by binding to the complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) of the TCR via a surface patch on its IgV domain, thereby facilitating the formation of a stable complex with BTN2A1. This pAg-induced surface Vγ9Vδ2 TCR complex is critical for effective phosphoantigen (pAg) recognition.²⁶ The recognition and response of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells to pAgs through the BTN3A1–BTN2A1 complex underscore their specialized role in immune surveillance (Figure 1). Their unique mechanism of detecting dysregulated tumor metabolism makes them promising targets for cancer immunotherapy. However, the clinical translation of these distinctive recognition pathways remains limited. Although Vγ9Vδ2 cells are capable of detecting phosphoantigen accumulation in tumor cells, their frequency declines with age and chronic stimulation, thereby reducing their therapeutic potential.²⁷ Similarly, although Vδ1 cells exhibit promising tissue-resident tumor reactivity, standardized expansion protocols remain less well established compared to those of Vγ9Vδ2 cells. Thus, dissecting recognition mechanisms such as the BTN3A1–BTN2A1 axis is essential not only for elucidating γδ T cell biology but also for optimizing their therapeutic application.

Figure 1.

Ligands Recognized by Human γδT Cells. Vγ9 Vδ2 T Cells Sense Phosphoantigens (pAgs) Derived From the Mevalonate Pathway via BTN3A1 and BTN2A1. Vδ1 T Cells Recognize Lipid Antigens Presented by CD1 Molecules (CD1b, CD1c, CD1d), Vδ3 T Cells Also Engage CD1d. Vδ5 T Cells Detect Endothelial Protein C Receptor (EPCR) Expressed on Stressed or Transformed Cells

Anti-tumor Ability of γδ T Cells

γδ T Cells can Affect the Production of Multiple Immune Cytokines

The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises diverse cell populations, soluble signaling molecules, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix components, all of which influence tumor progression and therapeutic outcomes. Research has demonstrated that γδ T cells regulate the TME and exert antitumor effects via multiple mechanisms. These cells have been identified in the tumor microenvironment of melanoma, breast, colon, lung, and ovarian cancers.²⁸

One of the primary functions of γδ T cells is the regulation of cytokine production. Cytokines are small proteins that serve as intracellular communication signals within the immune system. These molecules are fundamental to immune regulation, mediating both inflammatory promotion and suppression. By modulating cytokine levels, γδ T cells can influence immune responses and potentially control tumor growth. γδ T cells produce multiple cytokines, including IL-17, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β.^29–32

The IL-17 signaling pathway is initiated through the SEFIR domain following TCR activation, which subsequently triggers MAPK, NF-κB, and C/EBP pathways to regulate IL-17 production by γδT-17 cell.³³ RORγt serves as the master transcription factor for IL-17A, controlling its expression not only at the transcriptional level but also via epigenetic modifications, suggesting potential druggable targets for future therapies.³⁴ Additional signaling cascades remain incompletely elucidated, underscoring the complexity of IL-17 regulation in γδ T cells. Functionally, IL-17A is robustly secreted by γδT-17 cells and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several cancers, including colorectal, hepatocellular, lung, and nasopharyngeal carcinomas. Mechanistically, IL-17A can (a) recruit neutrophils and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), (b) promote angiogenesis, and (c) upregulate tumor PD-L1 and survival pathways, thereby facilitating tumor progression and therapy resistance.^7,35–39 In nasopharyngeal carcinoma, for instance, tumor-derived exosomes can induce γδ T cell differentiation into γδT-17 cells, which in turn enhance radioresistance and diminish the efficacy of radiotherapy.⁴⁰ Conversely, IL-17 can exert antitumor effects in specific contexts by promoting CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration and synergizing with pro-inflammatory cues to eliminate early-stage transformed cells or pathogens.⁷ Its biological consequences are highly context-dependent: evidence across tumor types demonstrates both antitumor and protumor activities, highlighting the importance of considering cytokine source, temporal dynamics, and tumor-intrinsic signaling when designing γδ T cell therapies.

IFN-γ is a canonical antitumor cytokine: it enhances antigen presentation, promotes M1 polarization, increases tumor immunogenicity, and augments CD8⁺ and NK cell functions.⁴¹ In γδ cells, IFN-γ production is controlled by T-bet/Eomes balance and can be induced via STING-TBK1 signaling. T-bet promotes the differentiation of γδ T cells into IFN-γ-producing cells, whereas Eomes inhibits IFN-γ production. The dynamic interplay between T-bet and Eomes determines the differentiation trajectory of γδ T cells.^42,43 This transcriptional balance contributes to antitumor activity via multiple mechanisms, including tumor cell apoptosis induction, proliferation suppression, and differentiation promotion. Additionally, IFN-γ also remodels the tumor microenvironment by attracting effector immune cells, regulating angiogenesis, and enhancing antigen presentation through upregulation of MHC molecules. These effects collectively improve tumor immunogenicity and can increase responsiveness to chemotherapy and radiotherapy by facilitating drug delivery and sensitizing cancer cells to cytotoxic damage.^44,45 However, the antitumor effects of IFN-γ are counterbalanced by its potential to promote immune evasion. Chronic or sustained IFN-γ exposure can paradoxically induce adaptive resistance, enabling tumor cells to evade immune surveillance.⁴¹ Mechanistically, tumors may upregulate PD-L1, IDO, and other inhibitory pathways, or alter antigen-processing machinery to escape CTLs and NK cells.^44–46 Thus, IFN-γ not only facilitates tumor rejection but also promotes the selection of resistant clones and fosters immunosuppressive microenvironments. Given this duality, therapeutic strategies involving IFN-γ require careful calibration. Approaches that generate acute, localized IFN-γ bursts—for example, γδ T cells engineered to secrete IFN-γ upon antigen recognition—may harness its protective effects while limiting chronic toxicity.⁴⁷ Moreover, combining IFN-γ–enhancing therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors (eg, PD-1/PD-L1 or IDO blockade) represents a rational strategy to counteract IFN-γ–induced adaptive resistance. Biomarkers of IFN-γ pathway activation may further inform patient selection, optimizing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing associated risks.

IL-4 is a pleiotropic cytokine secreted by activated T cells, basophils, and mast cells, and is primarily associated with Th2-type immune responses.⁴⁸ IL-4 signaling activates two major pathways: the STAT6 transcription factor pathway and the insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1/2 pathway.⁴⁹ In γδ T cells, IL-4 suppresses activation via a STAT6-dependent mechanism, thereby restraining their cytotoxic potential.⁵⁰ Beyond T cell regulation, IL-4 and its receptor influence apoptosis, chemotherapy sensitivity, and overall cancer prognosis.⁵¹ Within the tumor microenvironment, IL-4 predominantly exerts protumorigenic effects. It drives the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages toward an M2-like phenotype, which suppresses effective antitumor immunity and fosters tumor progression.⁵² For example, in colorectal cancer cell lines (HT-29 and DLD-1), IL-4 upregulates NADPH oxidase 1 activity, promoting cell growth; in hepatocellular carcinoma, IL-4 contributes to tumor progression; and in gastric cancer cells, IL-4 signaling can modulate cell-cycle progression.^53,54 However, IL-4’s role is not uniformly protumorigenic: in specific contexts, such as in CRL1739 gastric cancer cells, IL-4 binding to its receptor induces G1 cell cycle arrest, indicating a context-dependent growth-inhibitory function.⁵⁵ This duality highlights IL-4 as both a mediator of tumor-supportive immune suppression and, in rare cases, a regulator of tumor cell proliferation with inhibitory potential. From a translational perspective, IL-4/IL-4R blockade or inhibition of downstream STAT6 signaling has been proposed as a strategy to counteract its tumor-promoting functions. Conversely, elucidating the conditions under which IL-4 induces antiproliferative responses may uncover novel therapeutic opportunities. Thus, IL-4 exemplifies the complex, context-dependent cytokine networks that must be precisely dissected to optimize both γδ T cell–based and broader immunotherapeutic strategies.

In addition to pro- and anti-tumor cytokines such as IL-17, IFN-γ, and IL-4, immunoregulatory cytokines further influence γδ T cell function and cancer progression. Vδ1 T cells, for example, produce high levels of IL-10, which potently suppresses the cytotoxicity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells and thereby constrains their antitumor efficacy.⁵⁶ TGF-β is another key immunoregulatory factor secreted by Vδ1 cells, with broad implications for tumor biology. While TGF-β regulates γδ T cell development, it also promotes tumor progression by inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in epithelial cells, thereby enhancing invasion and metastasis.^42,57,58 Beyond tumor progression, TGF-β plays a central role in shaping tissue-resident γδ T cell populations. In the gut, for instance, TGF-β regulates the development of TCRγδ⁺ CD8αα⁺ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) through Smad2-and Smad3-dependent pathways, which are essential for maintaining mucosal homeostasis.⁵⁹ From a therapeutic perspective, selectively inhibiting suppressive cytokine signaling or engineering γδ T cells to resist IL-10 and TGF-β may help preserve cytotoxic function while maintaining mucosal integrity.

Cytotoxic Effects on Malignant Tumors

The cytotoxic machinery of γδ T cells induces tumor cell apoptosis through multiple, non-MHC-restricted pathways. Vδ1 γδ T cells eliminate tumor and lymphoma cells by recognizing stress-induced ligands such as MICA, MICB, and UL16-binding proteins (ULBPs) expressed on malignant cells.⁶⁰ Vγ9 Vδ2 T cells exhibit potent cytotoxic activity against a broad range of malignancies via at least two major pathways: (i) TCR-mediated recognition of endogenous phosphoantigens such as isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), as well as ectopically expressed mitochondrial F1-ATPase or the F1-ATPase/ApoA1 complex on tumor membranes, which stabilize TCR binding^19,61,62; and (ii) NKG2D engagement with MICA, MICB, or ULBPs, which activates a DAP10-dependent signaling cascade that triggers the release of perforin, granzymes, and other cytotoxic mediators (Figure 2).^63–67 Importantly, NKG2D signaling can override inhibitory NK receptor pathways, enabling γδ T cells to retain cytotoxic function even under immunosuppressive conditions. Despite the robustness of these cytotoxic mechanisms, their in vivo efficacy is frequently attenuated. Hypoxia and nutrient deprivation within the tumor microenvironment (TME) impair degranulation, many tumors downregulate Fas or shed soluble MICA/B to evade NKG2D recognition, and immunosuppressive cytokines such as TGF-β limit γδ T-cell effector function. Moreover, many of these cytotoxic pathways are shared with NK and αβ T cells, raising questions about whether γδ T cells confer unique advantages in clinical applications. To fully harness their therapeutic potential, translational strategies should include blocking ligand shedding, enhancing cell persistence, and engineering γδ T cells to resist tumor microenvironment-derived inhibitory signals. Such approaches may translate their inherent cytotoxic potential into meaningful clinical benefit.

Figure 2.

Engagement of NKG2D With MICA/MICB Triggers DAP10-dependent Recruitment of PI3K and Grb2/Vav1, Leading to Downstream Activation of MAPK, NF-κB, and NFAT Signaling Cascades. This Results Cytokine Secretion (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17), and Perforin/Granzyme-Mediated Cytotoxicity

Treatment Strategies

Autologous γδ T Cell Adoptive Transfer Therapy

Adoptive transfer therapy using autologous γδ T cells has shown considerable promise in cancer immunotherapy by leveraging their capacity to directly lyse tumor cells, secrete antitumor cytokines, and activate other immune subsets. Both Vδ1 and Vδ2 subsets have been investigated for clinical application, supported by advances in ex vivo expansion technologies.⁶⁸ For Vδ1 cells, artificial antigen-presenting cells expressing CD40 L and the cytomegalovirus antigen pp65 have been used as feeder layers to promote proliferation and enhance cytotoxicity,⁶⁹ while newer protocols combining anti-CD3 (OKT-3) with IL-15 allow rapid expansion of highly pure Vδ1 populations amenable to CAR engineering.⁷⁰ Notably, Delta One T (DOT) cells—expanded Vδ1 cells enriched for NK receptors—have shown potent activity against colorectal and other solid tumors.⁷¹ By contrast, Vδ2 cell expansion primarily relies on phosphoantigen stimulation. Aminobisphosphonates such as pamidronate or zoledronic acid (ZOL) induce intracellular accumulation of isopentenyl pyrophosphate, thereby selectively activating and expanding Vγ9Vδ2 T cells.^18,19

Clinical studies have established proof of feasibility. Wilhelm et al⁷² reported that pamidronate combined with low-dose IL-2 yielded limited expansion, whereas sustained high-dose IL-2 administration achieved partial remissions or stable disease in some patients. Dieli et al⁷³ demonstrated that ZOL plus IL-2 was superior to ZOL alone in metastatic prostate cancer. More recently, Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) was shown to synergize with ZOL in enhancing Vδ2 expansion and polyfunctionality, offering a potential alternative approach.^74,75 These trials demonstrated that autologous γδ T cells could be safely administered and were capable of exerting measurable antitumor activity, with some patients showing partial responses or disease stabilization. Importantly, γδ T cells possess a favorable safety profile compared with αβ T cells, as they rarely cause graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).^76s

However, clinical outcomes of autologous γδ T cell therapy have been modest, and durable responses remain rare. A key limitation is the low frequency of γδ T cells in peripheral blood, which restricts ex vivo expansion. Even when expanded, transferred γδ T cells often display limited persistence in vivo, partly due to exhaustion and suppression by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumors may downregulate stress ligands, secrete inhibitory cytokines such as TGF-β, and induce metabolic constraints that further impair γδ T-cell cytotoxicity. In addition, repeated stimulation with aminobisphosphonates may induce functional anergy in Vγ9Vδ2 cells, further limiting therapeutic efficacy.⁷⁷

To enhance the clinical potential of autologous γδ T-cell adoptive transfer, several strategies are under investigation. These include optimizing ex vivo culture conditions to preserve effector function, combining γδ T cell infusion with immune checkpoint blockade or cytokine support, and engineering γδ T cells with CAR constructs or resistance to TME-derived inhibitory signals.⁷⁸ Collectively, while autologous γδ T cell therapy has demonstrated safety and feasibility, significant translational challenges remain, and its future success will hinge on overcoming barriers to cell persistence, functional fitness, and resistance to tumor-mediated suppression.

Allogeneic γδ T Cell Adoptive Transfer Therapy

Allogeneic γδ T cell adoptive transfer therapy, in which γδ T cells are harvested from healthy donors and expanded for infusion into patients, has emerged as an appealing alternative to autologous approaches. This strategy builds on the favorable safety profile of γδ T cells, which seldom provoke graft-versus-host disease, thereby enabling the development of standardized “off-the-shelf” cell products.^79,80 Early clinical studies have demonstrated both feasibility and safety. For example, Kondo et al⁸¹ successfully expanded γδ T cells from six healthy donors and confirmed their significant antitumor activity in patients, underscoring the translational potential of this approach. The combination of zoledronic acid (ZOL) and low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) remains a standard method for Vγ9Vδ2 T cell expansion: ZOL promotes accumulation of endogenous phosphoantigens in tumor cells, while IL-2 boosts γδ T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion.⁸² Compared with autologous transfer, allogeneic γδ T cell therapy is associated with fewer adverse effects and greater scalability. Despite these advantages, several obstacles limit the success of allogeneic γδ T-cell therapy. Persistence of infused cells in vivo remains suboptimal, reducing the likelihood of durable responses. Tumor immune evasion mechanisms—including shedding of NKG2D ligands (MICA/B), secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines such as TGF-β, and induction of metabolic stress—further impair their effector function. Moreover, while γδ T cells are generally well tolerated, the long-term safety of large-scale allogeneic products remains uncertain, with potential risks of off-target cytotoxicity and immune dysregulation necessitating careful monitoring.

To address these challenges, innovative engineering strategies are under active exploration. These include CAR-modified γδ T cells to enhance tumor recognition, IL-15 armoring to boost survival and proliferation, and genetic modification to resist tumor microenvironment-derived suppression.⁸³ Advances in biomanufacturing are also enabling large-scale, GMP-compliant expansion of γδ T cells, paving the way for broader clinical testing. Compared with autologous γδ T-cell transfer, the allogeneic approach offers clear logistical and scalability advantages, but its long-term efficacy and safety still require validation in well-designed clinical trials.⁸⁰ Ultimately, the future of allogeneic γδ T cell therapy will hinge on balancing its “off-the-shelf” practicality with strategies that ensure persistence, potency, and durable tumor control.

Genetic Engineering Therapy

Genetic engineering strategies represent a critical frontier in the γδ T cell–based cancer immunotherapy, with the goal of surmounting the limitations of conventional adoptive transfer. Among these, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered γδ T cells have garnered increasing attention. By combining the innate, non-MHC-restricted recognition capacity of γδ T cells with CAR-mediated antigen specificity, CAR-γδ T cells can target both stress ligands and tumor-associated antigens simultaneously.⁷⁸ In preclinical models, CAR-engineered Vδ1 and Vγ9Vδ2 cells have exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity against hematologic and solid tumors while retaining a favorable safety profile owing to the low risk of graft-versus-host disease.⁸⁴ Currently, CAR-T therapy has evolved through six generations, yet second-generation CAR-T cells remain dominant because of their proven stability and well-validated efficacy. A key advantage of γδ T cells is their expression of the NKG2D receptor, which functions independently of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. This MHC independence enables CAR-γδ T cells to maintain cytotoxic activity against tumor cells, as ligands for NKG2D are frequently upregulated on malignant cells.⁸⁵ For example, CD19 is a commonly expressed antigen in B-cell malignancies, and anti-CD19 CAR-T cells have been specifically designed to target and eliminate these malignant cells.^86,87 Treating solid tumors poses formidable challenges, as the tumor microenvironment (TME) obstructs CAR-T cell trafficking to tumor sites and hampers their capacity to mount effective immune responses. The TME further complicates targeting by erecting both physical and immunosuppressive barriers that impede engineered T cell infiltration and function. To overcome these obstacles, researchers have developed strategies to genetically modify T cell chemotaxis and tissue homing capabilities, as well as to engineer CAR-T cells that can directly target components of the tumor stroma.⁸⁸ Concurrently, to counteract the enhanced glycolytic activity and impaired metabolism observed in CAR-T cells, scientists have improved CAR-T cell persistence by reprogramming T cell metabolism through advanced CAR design.⁸⁹ Outlined in Table 2 below.

Table 2.

Preclinical Advances in CAR-γδ T Cell Therapies.

Combination therapy	Disease	References
mRNA electroporation technology to transform γδ T cells	Cancer	¹⁰⁵
Treatment combining chemotherapy with cellular immunotherapy	Gastric cancer、 esophageal cancer	^106,107
Treatment of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells with IDO1 inhibitor	Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)	¹⁰⁸
Vδ2 T cells combined with inhibiting B7-H3	Colon cancer	¹⁰⁹
γδ-T-Exos synergized with radiotherapy	Nasopharyngeal carcinoma	⁹⁹
γδT cells as synergistic therapeutic cells for CD3-BsAbs	Pancreatic cancer	¹¹⁰
combined γδ-T exosomes and photodynamic therapy (PDT)	Melanoma	¹¹¹
Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) were used to enhance the anti-tumor immunity of γδ T cells	Cancer	¹¹²

Nevertheless, substantial challenges must be addressed before γδ T cell genetic engineering can transition to broad clinical application. Manufacturing protocols are inherently more complex than those for αβ CAR-T cells, due to subset heterogeneity and inconsistent expansion success. Moreover, although early-phase studies indicate encouraging safety, large-scale clinical validation remains limited, and the durability of engineered γδ T cell responses in solid tumors is still uncertain. Another critical concern is the functional overlap with NK and αβ T cells, which raises doubts about whether γδ T cell engineering truly delivers unique therapeutic advantages.⁹⁰ Future investigations should refine engineering platforms to maximize persistence, resist TME suppression, and harness the unique biological characteristics of γδ T cells. Promising strategies include integrating CAR-γδ T cells with immune checkpoint blockade, combining with oncolytic viruses or bispecific antibodies, and developing standardized allogeneic products. Collectively, genetic engineering offers the most compelling path toward unlocking the full therapeutic potential of γδ T cells, but its success will depend on translating preclinical advances into reproducible and durable clinical benefit.

CAR-γδ T subtype	Target antigen	Cancer type(s)	Preclinical outcome	References
Vδ1 CAR-γδ T cells	CD19	B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)	Robust cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo, effective tumor clearance in xenograft models, and no GVHD observed	⁹¹
CAR-engineered human γδ T cells	Retroviral CAR modification of γδ T cells; retained cross-presentation ability	Broad tumor targets	Demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity against tumor cells, maintained cross-presentation capacity, supporting γδ T cells as versatile CAR platforms	⁹²
PSCA-CAR-engineered Vδ1 γδ T cells	PSCA	Pancreatic cancer	Demonstrated strong cytotoxicity and tumor control with a favorable safety profile compared to αβ CAR-T; preclinical data suggest translational potential	⁹³
Tandem CD33-CLL1 CAR-T	CD33 + CLL1	Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)	Demonstrated improved efficacy over single-target CARs, reduced relapse, and enhanced durability; provides insights for future γδ CAR-T multi-target strategies	⁹⁴
mRNA-engineered CD5-CAR-γδT (CD5^-)	CD5	T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)	mRNA-engineered CD5^- γδT cells overcame fratricide, showed strong cytotoxicity against T-ALL in vitro and in vivo	⁹⁵

Other Therapies

Small extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important mediators of intercellular communication, transferring proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites that influence tumor progression and therapeutic responses.^96,97 Their natural biocompatibility and stability make them attractive candidates for cancer vaccine development. Notably, γδ T cell–derived EVs (γδ T-EVs) appear to preserve dual antitumor functions of their parental cells by carrying cytotoxic molecules (eg, perforin, granzyme B) and immunostimulatory signals.⁹⁸

Recent studies provide proof of concept: Wang and colleagues reported that γδ T-EVs enriched in interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and CD40 ligand (CD40 L) could transfer tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) to dendritic cells (DCs), thereby promoting antigen presentation and amplifying adaptive immune responses. Moreover, allogeneic γδ T-EV vaccines derived from healthy donors exhibited antitumor efficacy comparable to autologous sources, suggesting a scalable and lower-complexity manufacturing platform.⁹⁹

Combination Therapy

PD-1 (programmed cell death protein 1, CD279) is a key immune checkpoint receptor expressed on T cells, B cells, NK cells, and myeloid populations. By binding to its ligands, PD-L1 or PD-L2, PD-1 suppresses T cell activation and proliferation, maintaining immune tolerance under physiological conditions.¹⁰⁰ Tumors exploit this pathway by upregulating PD-L1, enabling evasion of immune surveillance and attenuation of antitumor immunity.¹⁰¹ Importantly, the inhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 axis within the tumor microenvironment also constrains γδ T cell activity, thereby limiting their therapeutic potential in vitro.¹⁰¹ Combining γδ T cells with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has shown promise: in an immunodeficient ovarian cancer model, γδ T cells engineered to secrete anti-PD-1 antibodies—so-called “armored” γδ T cells—exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity and favorable safety in vivo.¹⁰² Beyond PD-1, other checkpoint targets are relevant; for example, HLA-G is highly expressed in many solid tumors, and dual blockade of HLA-G and PD-L1 has been proposed to overcome TME-mediated resistance and achieve superior antitumor efficacy.¹⁰³ These findings strengthen the rationale for integrating γδ T cell therapy with immune checkpoint inhibition. Furthermore, γδ T cells may synergize with conventional modalities—including antibody therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy—thus enhancing overall clinical benefit (Table 2).¹⁰⁴

Future Directions

Despite compelling preclinical data, γδ T cell–based immunotherapies remain in an early stage of clinical translation and lag behind αβ CAR-T therapies in both efficacy and clinical uptake. To realize their full therapeutic potential, several critical challenges must be surmounted. First, the low abundance and heterogeneity of γδ T cells complicate their large-scale expansion and standardization. While protocols for Vγ9Vδ2 expansion using aminobisphosphonates and IL-2 are well established, they often lead to peripheral depletion and functional exhaustion. More robust methods—such as Vδ1 cell expansion using artificial antigen-presenting cells, cytokine engineering, and feeder-free bioreactors—are urgently needed to ensure consistency and scalability. Second, the tumor microenvironment (TME) persists as a formidable barrier. Immunosuppressive cytokines (eg, TGF-β, IL-10), metabolic stress, and inhibitory checkpoint molecules (PD-1/PD-L1, HLA-G) can severely dampen γδ T cell cytotoxicity. To counteract these mechanisms, strategies such as armored γδ T cells engineered to express checkpoint inhibitors, dual-target CAR constructs (for example, PSCA + PD-L1), and cytokine tethering (eg, IL-15, IL-21) are being explored to bolster persistence without incurring systemic toxicity. Third, the dual roles of cytokines (such as IL-17, IFN-γ, and IL-4) underscore the need for subtype-specific modulation. Selective expansion of cytotoxic subsets (Vδ2 effector cells) while suppressing pro-tumor subsets (γδT-17) will be essential to avoid paradoxical effects like therapy resistance. This calls for biomarker-driven patient stratification and the development of γδ T cell–specific immunophenotyping tools. Finally, integrating γδ T cells into multimodal regimens—such as checkpoint inhibition, radiotherapy, oncolytic viruses, and exosome-based therapies—holds substantial promise. However, combination approaches must be rationally designed, as certain interactions (eg, IL-17–mediated radioresistance) can undermine efficacy. Preclinical models that better recapitulate the human TME, along with early-phase clinical trials incorporating correlative biomarker studies, will be crucial to define optimal combinations. In conclusion, the future of γδ T cell therapy hinges not only on technological innovations in expansion and engineering but also on achieving deeper insight into their intricate biology within the TME. Overcoming these challenges via precise subset targeting, rational combination strategies, and biomarker-guided clinical development will be pivotal to elevate γδ T cells from experimental modalities to reliable, scalable pillars of cancer immunotherapy.

Conclusion

In summary, γδ T cells hold significant promise in cancer treatment. Due to their unique antigen recognition capabilities and multifunctional effector functions, they play a crucial role in anti-tumor immunity. γδ T cells differentiate into diverse subpopulations, each exhibiting distinct distributions across tumor types. These subsets secrete characteristic cytokines with either antitumor or protumor effects and actively modulate the tumor microenvironment. Despite growing interest, our understanding of γδ T cell subset functionality remains incomplete, and the complexity of their roles across tumor types warrants further investigation. Compared to conventional αβ T cells, γδ T cells confer a lower risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in allogeneic settings, enhancing their appeal in cancer immunotherapy. However, γδ T cell adoptive cell therapy (ACT) still faces challenges such as low cell expansion efficiency, poor in vivo persistence, insufficient tumor infiltration, and suppression by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. The introduction of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology has expanded the therapeutic potential of γδ T cells by enhancing their targeting specificity and sustaining antitumor activity, though it has not fundamentally resolved the aforementioned limitations. Single-agent cellular therapies frequently fail to overcome the complexity and dynamism of the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, combination strategies are emerging as a critical avenue to augment γδ T cell efficacy. Through synergistic effects with immune checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other immune cells, the proliferation, tumor infiltration, and functional activity of γδ T cells can be significantly improved. With ongoing optimization and clinical validation of these combined strategies, γδ T cells are expected to play a more prominent role as core immune effector cells within multimodal anti-tumor treatment regimens, advancing the development of precision tumor immunotherapy.

Footnotes

Acknowledgments

We sincerely thank our colleagues for their valuable support during the preparation of this manuscript.

ORCID iD

Yu Zhang

Ethical Considerations

This manuscript is a review article and does not involve a research protocol requiring approval by the relevant institutional review board or ethics committee.

Funding

The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by Open Project (Grant No.QD044).

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

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Mechanisms and Applications of γδ T Cells in Anti-Tumor Immunity

Abstract

Plain Language Summary

Keywords

Introduction

Biological Characteristics of γδ T Cells

Subpopulations and Identification of γδ T Cells

Anti-tumor Ability of γδ T Cells

γδ T Cells can Affect the Production of Multiple Immune Cytokines

Cytotoxic Effects on Malignant Tumors

Treatment Strategies

Autologous γδ T Cell Adoptive Transfer Therapy

Allogeneic γδ T Cell Adoptive Transfer Therapy

Genetic Engineering Therapy

Other Therapies

Combination Therapy

Future Directions

Conclusion

Footnotes

Acknowledgments

ORCID iD

Ethical Considerations

Funding

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

References