Regulation of type 1 diabetes by NKT cells.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease due to the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Natural Killer T (NKT) cells are a T-cell subset that links the innate and adaptive immune systems. NKT cells play a key regulatory role in type 1 diabetes. The absence of NKT cells correlates with exacerbation of type 1 diabetes, whereas an increased frequency and/or activation of NKT cells prevents beta-cell autoimmunity. Various mechanisms are involved in the protective effect of NKT cells. The goal is now to translate knowledge gained from mouse models into human therapeutics.
Novak
Jan
J
INSERM U561, Université René Descartes, Hôpital Cochin/Saint Vincent de Paul. Paris. France.
Griseri
Thibault
T
Beaudoin
Lucie
L
Lehuen
Agnès
A
D000818:Animals; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000276:immunology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007515:Islets of Langerhans / Q000276:immunology; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D016688:Mice, Inbred NOD; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*