Gamma Delta T cells (GDTs)
Gamma-Delta (γδ) T cells, especially the Vδ1 and Vδ2 subtypes, hold significant innovative therapeutic potential due to their broad anti-tumor activity and strong cytotoxicity. These unique immune cells can recognize and kill cancer cells without needing antigen presentation, setting them apart from other immune cells. Their versatility and potent ability to target a wide range of cancers make them highly promising candidates for novel cancer treatments.
What are GDTs?
GDTs, a subset of lymphocytes (white blood cells), make up approximately 1-5% of the circulating lymphocyte population in humans. They are integral to the innate immune response and hold significant promise as therapeutic agents due to their natural ability to target and respond to biological stress signals, such as those from cancerous or infected cells. This review highlights the historical development of GDT cell therapies and explores the potential of enhancing these therapies through combinations or genetic modifications.
GDTs play a crucial role in monitoring the body for signs of disease, including cancer and infections, by detecting cellular changes through a series of complex mechanisms. This surveillance is a common defense strategy against a wide range of cancers and infections.
A comprehensive analysis of gene expression from 18,000 tumors across 39 different types of malignancies revealed that GDTs were the infiltrating immune cells most frequently associated with favorable outcomes. Research indicates that GDTs consist of various subtypes, each with distinct properties.
Natural Cytotoxicity
GDT cells exhibit natural cytotoxic effects through various mechanisms, allowing them to target and destroy abnormal cells effectively.
Activate Immune Response
They can stimulate a broader immune response by presenting antigens and releasing cytokines and chemokines, which enhances overall immune activity.
Safety
GDT cells are safe for healthy cells, even when administered in large quantities, as they specifically target diseased cells without harming normal tissues.
Effective Tissue Infiltration
Gamma-Delta (γδ) T cells excel at infiltrating tumors and thriving in their harsh environment, making them effective in targeting cancer cells.
Non-MHC Restricted
Gamma-Delta (γδ) T cells bypass MHC, enabling safe donor-to-patient transfers without triggering graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), ideal for allogeneic therapies.
Scalable and Convenient Sourcing
Gamma-Delta (γδ) T cells can be harvested, expanded, and stored using GMP methods, providing a flexible, readily available source for multiple therapies.
The Problems We Solve
Technical Challenges We Overcome
Quality Control
Purity of gamma delta T is up to more than 95%.
Residual rate of alpha beta T is less than 0.1%.
NKG2D exhibits the cytotoxicity of gamma delta T, and NKG2D expression of our gamma delta T is up to more 97%.
Ongoing Industrial/Academic Cooperation Project
Taipei Medical University
Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience
Taipei Medical University Hospital
Neurosurgery
Applications of GDTs
Development
