gammadelta T cells in oral diseases.

OBJECTIVE: gammadelta T cells are a distinct subset of unconventional T cells, which link innate and adaptive immunity by secreting cytokines and interacting with other immune cells, thereby modulating immune responses. As the first line of host defense, gammadelta T cells are essential for mucosal homeostasis and immune surveillance. When abnormally activated or impaired, gammadelta T cells can contribute to pathogenic processes. Accumulating evidence has revealed substantial impacts of gammadelta T cells on the pathogenesis of cancers, infections, and immune-inflammatory diseases. gammadelta T cells exhibit dual roles in cancers, promoting or inhibiting tumor growth, depending on their phenotypes and the clinical stage of cancers. During infections, gammadelta T cells exert high cytotoxic activity in infectious diseases, which is essential for combating bacterial and viral infections by recognizing foreign antigens and activating other immune cells. gammadelta T cells are also implicated in the onset and progression of immune-inflammatory diseases. However, the specific involvement and underlying mechanisms of gammadelta T cells in oral diseases have not been systematically discussed. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature review using the PubMed/MEDLINE databases to identify and analyze relevant literature on the roles of gammadelta T cells in oral diseases. RESULTS: The literature review revealed that gammadelta T cells play a pivotal role in maintaining oral mucosal homeostasis and are involved in the pathogenesis of oral cancers, periodontal diseases, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), oral lichen planus (OLP), and oral candidiasis. gammadelta T cells mainly influence various pathophysiological processes, such as anti-tumor activity, eradication of infection, and immune response regulation. CONCLUSION: This review focuses on the involvement of gammadelta T cells in oral diseases, with a particular emphasis on the main functions and underlying mechanisms by which gammadelta T cells influence the pathogenesis and progression of these conditions. This review underscores the potential of gammadelta T cells as therapeutic targets in managing oral health issues.