Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026
06:28
Modeling Mucosal Candidiasis in Larval Zebrafish by Swimbladder Injection
Published on: November 27, 2014
10.6K
Development of mucosal-associated invariant T cells.
Hui-Fern Koay1, Dale I Godfrey1, Daniel G Pellicci1
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
Immunology and Cell Biology
|March 24, 2018
Summary
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a major immune cell population. This review explores their development, maturation, and the factors influencing their varying frequencies in humans.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- T-cell biology
- Developmental immunology
Background:
- Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are the largest antigen-specific T-cell population in humans.
- MAIT cell frequency varies significantly among individuals, with unclear underlying reasons.
- Despite evolutionary conservation, MAIT cells are less abundant in mice than humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the developmental pathway of MAIT cells in the thymus.
- To discuss MAIT cell maturation and expansion post-thymic egress.
- To explore regulatory factors influencing MAIT cell development and frequency.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of MAIT cell development and regulation.
- Comparative analysis of MAIT cell biology in humans and mice.
- Exploration of factors influencing MAIT cell population dynamics.
Main Results:
- MAIT cells undergo a conserved three-stage development in the thymus.
- Post-thymic maturation and expansion contribute to peripheral MAIT cell numbers.
- Specific regulatory factors are hypothesized to control MAIT cell development stages.
Conclusions:
- MAIT cell development is a multi-stage process involving thymic development and peripheral maturation.
- Understanding MAIT cell regulation is crucial for explaining inter-individual frequency variations.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific factors governing MAIT cell homeostasis.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Linear time-invariant Systems
942
A system is linear if it displays the characteristics of homogeneity and additivity, together termed the superposition property. This principle is fundamental in all linear systems. Linear time-invariant (LTI) systems include systems with linear elements and constant parameters.
The input-output behavior of an LTI system can be fully defined by its response to an impulsive excitation at its input. Once this impulse response is known, the system's reaction to any other input can be...
The input-output behavior of an LTI system can be fully defined by its response to an impulsive excitation at its input. Once this impulse response is known, the system's reaction to any other input can be...
942
01:25Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach
2.5K
The gastric glands contain parietal cells that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. The cells secrete HCl because it is highly corrosive and essential for breaking down food. To achieve this, they secrete hydrogen and chloride ions into the lumen of the gastric glands, which combine to form HCl.
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
2.5K
01:10Zygotic Development And Stem Cell Formation
6.8K
The development of all multicellular organisms starts with the fusion of haploid cells called sperm and egg to form a diploid zygote. A zygote is a totipotent cell that can develop into a complete organism. The zygote undergoes cell division or cleavage to form an 8-cell mass. Until this stage, the cells are spherical, loosely attached, and remain totipotent. Totipotent cells are capable of developing both the embryonic and the extraembryonic tissues. However, as they continue to divide, they...
6.8K
01:24Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Mucosal Defense Factors
1.3K
Peptic ulcer disease, commonly called PUD, represents a multifaceted condition characterized by disruptions in the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Central to the protection of the gastrointestinal lining is the mucosal-bicarbonate barrier. This physiological defense mechanism is a formidable shield against the corrosive effects of gastric acid and pepsin secretion in the stomach. Its role is pivotal in maintaining the structural integrity of the stomach's inner lining.
1.3K
01:24Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sucralfate as Mucosal Protective Agents
1.6K
In the intricate landscape of the gastric lumen, excessive acid secretion disrupts the natural defense mechanisms, weakening the mucus-bicarbonate barrier. This vulnerability allows pepsin to infiltrate epithelial cells, digesting mucosal proteins and triggering erosion, leading to ulcer formation.
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...
1.6K
01:43Sustainable Development
15.2K
As the human population continues to grow and use resources, we must be mindful of our planet’s natural limits. Sustainable development provides a pathway to maintain and improve human life now while also ensuring that future generations will have the resources that they need. The long-term success of sustainability efforts rests on understanding the interplay between human actions and ecological systems.
15.2K