Exploring concepts of Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cells via their responses to infectious disease

The immune system detects infection by differentiating between molecules that are produced by either the body or infection. Conventional T cells sense infection by recognising peptides from invading pathogens, but this research focusses on Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cells that sense phosphoantigens. Phosphoantigens are molecules produced by the metabolism of some invading pathogens, such as the parasite that causes malaria. This research finds that a subset of atypical Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cells is unable to effectively respond to phosphoantigens, and therefore malaria. Viral infection generates atypical Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cells and shifts them away from sensing phosphoantigen.