αβ and γδ T cell receptors: Similar but different

J Leukoc Biol.                      online article

T cells are an important part of the immune system. They express a T cell antigen receptor (TCR) that recognizes foreign substances and consequently leads to the activation of the T cell and the initiation of an immune response against the foreign particle. Two types of T cells exist: the alpha beta and the gamma delta T cells. Although the alpha beta and gamma delta TCRs seem to be similar at first sight, we found biochemical evidences that they are activated by different molecular mechanisms. These evidences and implications thereof are summarized in this review.