Innate T cells in the intensive care unit

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Acute inflammation is a key feature of critical illnesses managed in intensive care units (ICUs).
• Innate T cells, including natural killer T (NKT) cells, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and γδ T cells, are rapidly activated during critical illness and significantly influence inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual role of innate T cells in critical illnesses.
• To discuss the involvement of specific innate T cell subsets (NKT, MAIT, γδ T cells) in various critical conditions.
• To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting innate T cells in critical illness models.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical and experimental studies.
• Analysis of the role of NKT cells, MAIT cells, and γδ T cells in critical illness.
• Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting innate T cells.

Main Results:

• Innate T cells can exacerbate inflammation and mortality in conditions such as sepsis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, stroke, and respiratory disease exacerbations.
• Conversely, certain innate T cell subsets can exert protective, anti-inflammatory effects in sepsis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and asthma.
• Preclinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of therapies aimed at modulating innate T cell activity.

Conclusions:

• Innate T cells play a complex and often contradictory role in critical illness, acting as both drivers of inflammation and mediators of protection.
• Understanding the specific functions of NKT, MAIT, and γδ T cells is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
• Modulating innate T cell responses represents a promising therapeutic avenue for managing critical illnesses.