March 3, 2026Open Access

Unmodified γδ T cells exhibit potent antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma and are enhanced by PD-L1 blockade

Key Points

Unmodified γδ T cells demonstrate significant antitumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), enhancing therapeutic possibilities.
In the presence of PD-L1, adaptive resistance limits the efficacy of γδ T cells, indicating the need for combination therapies.
The study illustrates how PD-L1 blockade may effectively boost the function of γδ T cells in advanced HCC tumors.
Combining γδ T cell therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors could provide a promising strategy for treating PD-L1-positive HCC.

Abstract

Unmodified γδ T cells demonstrate strong antitumor activity and a favorable safety profile in HCC but are limited by adaptive PD-L1-mediated immune resistance in PD-L1-positive tumors. These findings provide a mechanistic rationale for combining γδ T cell-based therapies with immune checkpoint inhibition to enhance therapeutic efficacy in advanced HCC.

Unmodified γδ T cells exhibit potent antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma and are enhanced by PD-L1 blockade

Key Points

Abstract

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