2018/06/06 by Michelle S. Cruz, Alani Diamond, Astrid Russell +1 · 1 citation
Immunology and Microbiology · Medicine · #T-cell and B-cell Immunology #Immune Cell Function and Interaction #Dermatology and Skin Diseases
paper · pdf · doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.01304
openalex publication_date 2018/06/06 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
γδ T lymphocytes maintain skin homeostasis by balancing keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation with the destruction of infected or malignant cells. An imbalance in skin-resident T cell function can aggravate skin-related autoimmune diseases, impede tumor eradication, or disrupt proper wound healing. Much of the published work on human skin T cells attributes T cell function in the skin to αβ T cells, while γδ T cells are an often overlooked participant. This review details the roles played by both αβ and γδ T cells in healthy human skin and then focuses on their roles in skin diseases, such as psoriasis and alopecia areata. Understanding the contribution of skin-resident and skin-infiltrating T cell populations and cross-talk with other immune cells is leading to the development of novel therapeutics for patients. However, there is still much to be learned in order to effectively modulate T cell function and maintain healthy skin homeostasis.