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Updated: Jun 17, 2025

Author Spotlight: Optimized Protocol for Detecting Antigen-Specific T Cells in Mouse Lungs Using Tetramers
Published on: July 19, 2024
Mucosal associated invariant T cells: Powerhouses of the lung
J C López-Rodríguez1, P Barral1
1Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology, The Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, London, UK; The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
Abstract:
The lungs face constant environmental challenges from harmless molecules, airborne pathogens and harmful agents that can damage the tissue. The lungs' immune system includes numerous tissue-resident lymphocytes that contribute to maintain tissue homeostasis and to the early initiation of immune responses. Amongst tissue-resident lymphocytes, Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells are present in human and murine lungs and emerging evidence supports their contribution to immune responses during infections, chronic inflammatory disorders and cancer. This review explores the mechanisms underpinning MAIT cell functions in the airways, their impact on lung immunity and the potential for targeting pulmonary MAIT cells in a therapeutic context.
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