Evidence for a role of gamma delta T cells in demyelinating diseases as determined by activation states and responses to lipid antigens

In this report we review current information on the phenotypic and functional properties of gamma delta T cells in demyelinating disorders. The results support the conclusion that although gamma delta T cells show evidence of activation in patients with either multiple sclerosis (MS) or Guillain Barre syndrome (GBS), differences exist in the phenotypic and functional properties of these cells between the two diseases. In particular. our data indicate that in patients with MS the V delta 2 subset is activated and that these cells can be induced to secrete high levels of proinflammatory cytokines. in contrast, in patients with GBS, the V delta 2 subset is expanded and can be induced to secrete cytokines more associated with a humoral response.