Mucosal-associated invariant T-cells in pulmonary pathophysiology

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Oncology

Background:

• Mucosal-associated invariant T-cells (MAIT) are implicated in lung cancer and pulmonary infections.
• Host-directed therapies (HDTs) are vital for treating these conditions.
• MAIT cells significantly influence the internal environment in cancer and infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biology of MAIT cells in pulmonary pathophysiology.
• To explore MAIT cells as therapeutic targets in pulmonary malignancies and infections.
• To understand MAIT cell plasticity and cytokine production in disease contexts.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on MAIT cell biology.
• Analysis of MAIT cell interactions with MR1 and its ligands.
• Examination of MAIT cell-derived cytokine profiles (IFN-γ, IL-17) and their roles.

Main Results:

• MAIT cells are restricted by MR1, presenting diverse targets.
• MAIT cells exhibit plasticity, switching between IFN-γ and IL-17 production.
• MAIT-derived IL-17/TGF-β influences the tumor micro-environment (TME), fibrosis, and neutrophil recruitment.
• MAIT cells contribute to the gut-lung axis and improved responses to checkpoint inhibitors.
• MAIT cells are central to HDTs for malignant and infected cells.

Conclusions:

• MAIT cells play a critical role in shaping the TME in pulmonary malignancies and infections.
• Targeting the TME and utilizing HDTs can modulate MAIT cells for improved clinical outcomes.
• Strategies should aim to enhance beneficial immune responses while mitigating tissue damage.