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Related Concept Videos

Cells of the Innate Immune Response01:28

Cells of the Innate Immune Response

The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes01:25

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes

Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Interview: Glycolipid Antigen Presentation by CD1d and the Therapeutic Potential of NKT cell Activation
18:08

Interview: Glycolipid Antigen Presentation by CD1d and the Therapeutic Potential of NKT cell Activation

Published on: December 31, 2007

NKT cells: T lymphocytes with innate effector functions.

Luc Van Kaer1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Medical Center North, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-2363, USA. luc.van.kaer@vanderbilt.edu

Current Opinion in Immunology
|April 13, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Natural killer T (NKT) cells, which recognize glycolipids via CD1d, show diverse activation during infections. Research reveals microbial interference with CD1d presentation and specialized NKT cell functions, driving therapeutic interest.

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Interview: Glycolipid Antigen Presentation by CD1d and the Therapeutic Potential of NKT cell Activation
18:08

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Artificial Antigen Presenting Cell (aAPC) Mediated Activation and Expansion of Natural Killer T Cells

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Purification and Expansion of Mouse Invariant Natural Killer T Cells for in vitro and in vivo Studies
08:37

Purification and Expansion of Mouse Invariant Natural Killer T Cells for in vitro and in vivo Studies

Published on: February 15, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Metabolic Disease Research

Background:

  • Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a unique T cell population bridging innate and adaptive immunity.
  • NKT cells recognize glycolipid antigens presented by the MHC class I-related molecule CD1d.
  • Recent research highlights NKT cell involvement in host defense against microbial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the activation mechanisms of NKT cells during microbial infections.
  • To elucidate the intricacies of CD1d-restricted antigen presentation and its link to lipid metabolism.
  • To understand how microorganisms manipulate the CD1d pathway and the differentiation of NKT cell subsets.

Main Methods:

  • Investigating NKT cell activation pathways in response to microbial stimuli.
  • Analyzing CD1d-mediated antigen presentation mechanisms.
  • Studying the impact of microbial strategies on the CD1d pathway.
  • Characterizing NKT cell subset differentiation and function.

Main Results:

  • Multiple pathways for NKT cell activation during infection have been identified.
  • A novel connection between CD1d antigen presentation, lipid metabolism, and atherosclerosis is emerging.
  • Microorganisms employ strategies to disrupt the CD1d antigen-presentation pathway.
  • Distinct NKT cell subsets with specialized functions and differentiation pathways have been revealed.

Conclusions:

  • NKT cells play a multifaceted role in immunity against infection, with complex activation and regulatory mechanisms.
  • Understanding the interplay between NKT cells, microbial lipids, and host metabolism offers new therapeutic avenues.
  • Targeting NKT cell pathways holds promise for developing novel therapies for various human diseases.