Control points in NKT-cell development.
CD1d-dependent natural killer T (NKT) cells are a unique T-cell subset with the ability to regulate the immune system in response to a broad range of diseases. That low NKT-cell numbers are associated with many different disease states in mice and humans, combined with the fact that NKT-cell numbers vary widely between individuals, makes it crucial to understand how these cells develop and how their numbers are maintained. Here, we review the current state of knowledge of NKT-cell development and attempt to highlight the most important questions in this field.
Godfrey
Dale I
DI
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia. godfrey@unimelb.edu.au
Berzins
Stuart P
SP
D000818:Animals; D018949:Antigens, CD1 / Q000276:immunology; D055610:Antigens, CD1d; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006017:Glycolipids / Q000276:immunology; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*
D018949:Antigens, CD1; D055610:Antigens, CD1d; C526877:CD1D protein, human; D006017:Glycolipids; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell