Parallels and distinctions between T and NKT cell development in the thymus.
NKT cells are emerging as an extremely influential regulatory subset of T lymphocytes that are functionally and developmentally distinct from their mainstream counterparts. Like other T cells, NKT cells are thymus-dependent but their apparently unique pathway of differentiation is poorly characterized. Given the strong association between NKT cell deficiency and increased incidences of autoimmunity and cancer it is imperative that the mechanisms by which NKT cells are generated becomes better understood. This review examines what is known about NKT cell development in the thymus and highlights elements of the pathway that differ significantly from mainstream T-cell development. It is here that NKT cell-specific disorders may originate and may best be addressed.
Berzins
Stuart P
SP
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia. berzins@unimelb.edu.au
Uldrich
Adam P
AP
Pellicci
Daniel G
DG
McNab
Finlay
F
Hayakawa
Yoshihiro
Y
Smyth
Mark J
MJ
Godfrey
Dale I
DI
D000818:Animals; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*
D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens