Are γδ T cells important for the elimination of virus‐infected cells?

Abstract

Rhesus monkeys ( Macaca mulatta ) γδ T cells were identified using a monoclonal antibody. The relative representation of γδ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood, lymph nodes, and spleen resembles that of Homo sapiens. The analysis of function and specificity revealed further significant similarities between the simian and human γδ T‐cell systems. Since both human and monkey γδ T lymphocytes can effectively lyse cells infected with immunodeficiency viruses, it is possible that the primate γδ T‐cell systems contribute to antiviral immunosurveillance.