While the exact mechanisms are unknown, gamma/delta T cells are postulated to exert a regulatory influence during acute allergic airway disease. Allergic airway disease has been attributed to IL17 producing Th17 cells. A recently published study in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine has found that gamma/delta T cells represent the main source of IL17 in the allergic lung. The study utilized a T-cell receptor antibody available at antibodies-online.

Gamma/delta T cells represent a small subset of T cells that possess a distinct T cell receptor (TCR) on their surface. They are also distinct in that they apparently do not require antigen processing and MHC presentation of peptide epitopes. Nevertheless, some gamma/delta T cells recognize MHC class IB molecules. This recent publication identifies these IL17 producing gamma/delta T cells as key regulators of allergic response in vivo.