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The dialogue between unconventional T cells and the microbiota
Qiaochu Lin1, Meggie Kuypers1, Dana J Philpott1
1Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
Mucosal Immunology
|July 25, 2020
Summary
Unconventional T cells, like invariant natural killer T (iNKT) and mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, detect microbial molecules. Their unique properties make them promising targets for broad-acting immunotherapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Mammalian immune systems utilize unconventional T cells, including invariant natural killer T (iNKT) and mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells.
- These cells recognize microbial molecules like glycolipids and metabolites, which are missed by conventional T cells.
- iNKT and MAIT cells play roles in infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which iNKT and MAIT cells detect and respond to microbes.
- To explore the intricate relationship between the microbiota and innate T cells.
- To discuss the potential of these cells in developing universal immunotherapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on iNKT and MAIT cells.
- Analysis of studies detailing microbial recognition by unconventional T cells.
- Examination of the crosstalk between microbiota and innate T cells in disease contexts.
Main Results:
- iNKT and MAIT cells directly and indirectly sense pathogenic and commensal microbes.
- These cells exhibit high conservation across mammals and respond rapidly.
- Their recognition is restricted by non-polymorphic antigen-presenting molecules.
Conclusions:
- Unconventional T cells are crucial mediators of immune responses to microbes.
- The bidirectional communication between microbiota and innate T cells significantly shapes immunity.
- iNKT and MAIT cells represent attractive targets for developing 'one-size-fits-all' immunotherapies.
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