MAIT cells and their implication in human oral diseases

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are abundant innate-like T cells in humans, comprising 1-10% of circulating T cells.
• MAIT cells rapidly respond to immune stimuli and influence Th1/Th17 responses, B cell function, and NK cell activity.
• Their roles in autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and tumors are established, but their specific involvement in oral diseases remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze the impact of MAIT cells on the pathogenesis of human oral diseases.
• To elucidate the characteristics and potential roles of MAIT cells in the context of oral pathology.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Microsoft Bing databases.
• Relevant studies focusing on MAIT cells and oral diseases were reviewed and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Evidence indicates MAIT cells possess significant immunomodulatory functions relevant to oral health.
• The review identified potential roles for MAIT cells in conditions such as oral lichen planus (OLP), chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), apical periodontitis (AP), and primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS).

Conclusions:

• MAIT cells are crucial immune players with significant implications for oral disease pathogenesis.
• Further research into MAIT cell functions in oral diseases is warranted to explore potential therapeutic strategies.