Natural killer T cells: natural or unnatural regulators of autoimmunity?
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a unique lymphocyte subtype implicated in the regulation of autoimmunity, particularly diabetes and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in animal models. In some reports, NKT-cell regulation was revealed only following vigorous activation by a synthetic glycolipid, a process that might not occur naturally. Patients with diverse autoimmune diseases have reduced NKT-cell counts and, in diabetes and multiple sclerosis, effective NKT-cell regulation correlates with the secretion of Th2 cytokines. Although current controversy surrounds the importance of NKT cells and their modes of action, they represent a potentially important clinical target.
Hammond
Kirsten J L
KJ
La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, 10355 Science Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
Kronenberg
Mitchell
M
D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000276:immunology; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D016688:Mice, Inbred NOD; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*