Unraveling the role of γδ T cells in the pathogenesis of an oncogenic avian herpesvirus

Mohammad A. Sabsabi, Ahmed Kheimar, Yu You, Dominik von La Roche, Sonja Härtle, Thomas W. Göbel, Theresa von Heyl, Benjamin Schusser, Benedikt B. Kaufer
mBio, 15:e00315-24. https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.00315-24. Impact Factor: 6,4.

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Before this study, the role of γδ T cells in Marek's disease virus (MDV) pathogenesis was largely unexplored. Though γδ T cells are abundant in chickens and suspected to influence immune responses, their specific role in combating MDV-induced lymphomas remained unclear.

This publication marks a significant advance in understanding the immunological landscape of MDV. By using γδ T cell knockout chickens, the researchers provided compelling evidence that these cells play a crucial role in limiting MDV replication and subsequent tumor formation in key lymphoid organs. Their absence led to a drastic increase in both disease and tumor incidence, highlighting the protective nature of γδ T cells against this highly oncogenic virus.

The findings from this study are pivotal for future research on viral oncology and immune responses. It establishes γδ T cells as a critical component of the immune defense against this highly oncogenic virus.