Exploring human γδ T cells in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease or IBD is an umbrella term used to discribe disorders that cause uncontrolled inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The intestine is also abundant in a unique but poorly understood group of immune cells, called gamma delta (γδ) T cells which are essential in maintaining the stability of the intestine. By analysing the early onset of IBD in children, we found that γδ T cells are able to detect and respond to early stages of intestinal inflammation. Our research can aid in the development of new therapies which could arrest the inflammation at early stages and prevent disease relapse.