Editorial

γδ T-lymphocytes are a numerically small subset of T-lymphocytes which differ from conventional αβ T-lymphocytes primarily in respect to the ligands recognized by the T-cell antigen receptor. In this regard, human γδ T-cells differ significantly from their murine counterpart, because only human but not mouse γδ T-cells recognize small phosphorylated metabolites that are produced by many bacteria and parasites, but also by transformed eukaryotic cells. γδ T-cells contribute to local immune surveillance and are involved in immune defense against infection and tumor formation. Based on their potent anti-tumor activity, immunotherapeutic protocols aimed at the activation of tumor-reactive γδ T-cells have entered clinical studies..