Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Purification and Expansion of Mouse Invariant Natural Killer T Cells for in vitro and in vivo Studies
Published on: February 15, 2021
Type II natural killer T cells: a new target for immunomodulation?
Nadir Kadri1, Maria Blomqvist, Susanna L Cardell
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Box 435, S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
Type II Natural Killer (NK) T cells, distinct from type I, regulate immunity and show promise in treating autoimmune diseases and infections. Research is uncovering their mechanisms for targeted immunotherapy development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Natural killer (NK) T lymphocytes are crucial immunoregulatory cells.
- NK T cells are activated by glycolipids presented via the CD1d molecule.
- Type II NK T cells possess a diverse T-cell receptor repertoire, unlike type I NK T cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the unique regulatory roles of type II NK T cells in autoimmunity, tumor immunity, and infections.
- To explore the potential of type II NK T cells in immunotherapy for immune-mediated diseases.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of type I and type II NK T cell characteristics.
- Experimental models to assess the therapeutic effects of targeting type II NK T cells.
Main Results:
- Type II NK T cells play a significant role in managing autoimmune conditions and infections.
- Immunotherapy targeting type II NK T cells has shown efficacy in preventing autoimmune disease and experimental hepatitis in mice.
Conclusions:
- Type II NK T cells offer a promising avenue for developing novel immunotherapies.
- Further research into the activation mechanisms of type II NK T cells is essential for selective therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
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...
Tumor Immunotherapy
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
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...
Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
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...
