Cytotoxic αβ T cells form an essential component in immunity to infections and tumors, and are also implicated in host defense against these challenges. The present disclosure demonstrates the ability of activated γδ T cells to cross-present exogenous antigens to CD8+αβ T cells, a process previously thought to be mediated best by dendritic cells. In particular, the present disclosure provides a method for cross-presentation of antigen derived from tumor cell or microbial organisms such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, parasites, and the like, or from cells infected with such organisms, to a CD8+αβ T cell. Still further, the present disclosure provides a method for treatment of a tumor or a chronic or recurrent infectious disease, comprising delivering an antigen-presenting autologous γδ T cell population above into a patient requiring such treatment. Still yet further, a method is described for preparing a peptide-specific effector T cell.