This prospective observational cohort study investigates the subset-specific metabolic adaptation and functional remodeling of cytotoxic γδT cells in critically ill patients with and without sepsis. Emerging evidence indicates that γδT cells, as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, play a critical role in early anti-infection defense during sepsis. However, the functional status and underlying regulatory mechanisms of cytotoxic γδT cells in septic patients remain incompletely understood. Our preliminary single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that cytotoxic γδT cells from septic patients exhibit significant alterations in cytotoxicity-associated molecules (GZMB, PRF1, GNLY) and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway genes, particularly COX6C, which correlates with cytotoxic effector molecule expression. This study aims to systematically characterize the proportion, cytotoxicity, and mitochondrial metabolic function of circulating cytotoxic γδT cells across three cohorts: healthy controls, critically ill non-septic patients, and critically ill septic patients. By integrating flow cytometry, mitochondrial function assays, and functional validation experiments, we seek to elucidate the role of COX6C-mediated mitochondrial metabolic abnormalities in cytotoxic γδT cell dysfunction, providing theoretical basis for understanding immune dysregulation in sepsis and identifying novel therapeutic targets.
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Change in the Proportion of Cytotoxic γδT Cells (TCRγδ⁺GZMB⁺PRF1⁺GNLY⁺) Among Total γδT Cells
Timeframe: Day 2 post-ICU admission