Roles of gamma delta T cell subsets in inflammation and immunity

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of molecules which recognize a variety of common structural components that are shared by a broad range of foreign pathogens. By recognizing these foreign components, an individual is able to identify the presence of an infection and work to clear it from the body. TLRs activate a number of immune cells in the body to help provide protection. The current proposal is aimed at elucidating the roles of TLRs in the activation and function of gamma delta T cell populations that are present in inflamed tissue sites. gamma delta T cells constitute a distinct lineage of white blood cells that play important roles in a variety of immunological processes including responses to bacterial and viral pathogens, control of tumours, and regulation of inflammation and wound healing. Understanding how TLRs function in the activation of gamma delta T cells will be important in order to develop strategies that can modulate the activities of these cells to better combat infection and promote wound healing.