BACKGROUND: Vδ2+ γδ T cells can kill tumour directly or indirectly through activation of immune effectors. The link between innate and adaptive immune responses to tumour is partly attributed to granulysin secretion by Vδ2+ γδ T cells. A cytolytic 9 kDa isoform of granulysin kills tumour directly, while a 15 kDa precursor is thought to be a chemoattractant for other immune cells, particularly dendritic cells. Attraction of dendritic cells to tumour would allow initiation of adaptive immune responses, through their internalization of tumour material and migration to lymph nodes, activating CD4+ and CD8+alpha beta T cells.