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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

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

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

Published on: February 15, 2021

Dicer-dependent microRNA pathway controls invariant NKT cell development.

Maya Fedeli¹, Anna Napolitano, Molly Pui Man Wong

¹Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, H San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.

Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)

|July 24, 2009

Summary

MicroRNAs are essential for invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cell development and function. Dicer, an enzyme crucial for microRNA generation, is required for iNKT cell differentiation, homeostasis, and survival.

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Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

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

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Retroviral Transduction of Helper T Cells as a Genetic Approach to Study Mechanisms Controlling their Differentiation and Function

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Published on: November 4, 2016

Area of Science:

Immunology
Molecular Biology
Cell Biology

Background:

Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are a distinct T cell lineage with innate effector functions.
Their development and differentiation depend on a unique gene expression program, potentially involving microRNAs (miRNAs).
MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally, critical for cellular differentiation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of microRNAs in the development and differentiation of iNKT cells.
To determine if the Dicer-dependent miRNA pathway is essential for iNKT cell physiology.

Main Methods:

Investigated iNKT cell development in mice with Dicer deletion in cortical thymocytes.
Analyzed iNKT cell numbers, differentiation, homeostasis, and miRNA profiles.

Main Results:

Dicer deletion in thymocytes led to a significant reduction of iNKT cells in the thymus and their absence in the periphery.
Dicer-deficient iNKT cells failed to complete innate effector differentiation and showed impaired homeostasis due to increased cell death.
A specific miRNA profile for iNKT cells was identified, resembling that of activated/effector T lymphocytes.

Conclusions:

Dicer-dependent microRNA pathways are critical for the cell-autonomous differentiation and homeostasis of iNKT cells.
These findings highlight the essential role of miRNAs in iNKT cell physiology and agonist selection during thymic development.