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Natural killer T cells in atherosclerosis
Godfrey S Getz1, Catherine A Reardon2
1Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
Nature Reviews. Cardiology
|January 28, 2017
Summary
Natural killer T (NKT) cells, immune cells activated by lipids, are increasingly recognized for their role in promoting atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms in this chronic inflammatory disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition driven by immune cells.
- Natural killer T (NKT) cells are immune cells that respond to lipid antigens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of NKT cells in atherosclerosis.
- To discuss CD1 molecules, lipid antigen presentation, and NKT cell activation.
- To explore the influence of gut microbiota on NKT cells and atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of NKT cell function in immunity and disease.
- Analysis of CD1d-mediated lipid antigen presentation pathways.
- Examination of studies linking NKT cells to atherogenesis.
Main Results:
- NKT cells, activated by CD1d-presented lipids, contribute to atherogenesis.
- Both CD1d-dependent and independent NKT cell activation pathways exist.
- Gut microbiota interactions may modulate NKT cell activity relevant to atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- NKT cells are implicated in promoting atherosclerosis through various mechanisms.
- Understanding NKT cell sublineages and their specific roles is crucial.
- The interplay between NKT cells, gut microbiota, and atherosclerosis warrants further investigation.
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