Figure 1.

γδ T cells recognize a wide range of structurally different ligands. Unlike most αβ T cells, γδ T cells recognize ligands that vary much in size, composition and molecular structure, including MHC and non-MHC cell surface molecules, soluble proteins and smaller peptides, phospholipids, prenyl pyrophosphates and sulfatide. Some of these molecules appear to be recognized in complex with others (e.g. certain phospholipids in complex with CD1d or apo H), and most if not all are recognized while bound to or expressed on the cell surface. apo H, apolipoprotein H; MHC, major histocompatibility complex.