γδ T cell subsets: A link between TCR and function?

The gamma delta T lmphocytes are often divided into subsets based upon expression of certain TCR components. This division was initially made because gamma delta T cells residing in particular epithelia were found to show tissue specific differences in their TCRs. Many examples now show that gamma delta T cell subsets also appear to be biased to carry out particular functions. This suggests that particular gamma delta TCR types direct the cells to acquire a certain type of functional programming during thymic development. Here, we describe functionally distinct, TCR-defined gamma delta T cell subsets, and evidence that their functions are predetermined in the thymus. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.