The differential roles of mTOR, ERK, and JNK pathways in invariant natural killer T-cell function and survival

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell is a critical element for both innate and adaptive immunity. The quick responses of mature iNKT cells to TCR stimulation require activation of several different signaling pathways. However, the roles of these signaling pathways in mature iNKT cell biology remain incompletely understood. To address this issue, single signaling pathway was blocked with inhibitor in iNKT cells, and the roles of these signaling pathways were estimated. Results showed that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays an essential role for cytokine production and survival in iNKT cells. In contrast, ERK and JNK are more important for iNKT cell effector function, but not survival. Our findings delineate the distinct roles of different signaling pathways in mature iNKT cells and therefore shed new light for modulating iNKT cell function in disease conditions.