Role of γδ T Lymphocytes in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diseases with Skin Lesions

Abstract

Autoimmune diseases are associated with a severe course, early complications, disability and early mortality. Subpopulations of γδ T cells participate in the development of autoimmune diseases, including experimental ones, contributing to tissue damage. The inflammatory functions of γδ T cells are determined by their synthesis of cytokines, including IL-17, IFNγ and TNF-α, which are usually involved in autoimmunity. Different subpopulations of γδ T cells are associated with different autoimmune diseases depending on their tissue expression, and their function may contribute to pathogenesis. In this article we review studies on the role of γδ T cells in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and scleroderma, as well as their animal models. Due to the unique properties of γδ T cells encompassing adaptive and innate immunity functions, a growing understanding of this unique T cell population sheds new light on the pathogenesis of these diseases and potentially allows new therapeutic approaches to their treatment.