Immune regulation by invariant NKT cells in autoimmunity.
Invariant NKT cells are important regulators of T cell immunity and autoimmunity. In this review we describe evidence that supports their regulatory role in the prevention of autoimmune disease. Moreover, we will discuss the current knowledge on iNKT cell biology, antigen recognition, acquisition of a specific cytokine profile, and mechanism of action that suggest a key role for iNKT cells as negative regulators of autoimmune diseases.
Experimental Diabetes Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
Francesca
F
Ronchi
Marika
M
Falcone
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D015551:Autoimmunity; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000276:immunology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006017:Glycolipids / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D016207:Cytokines; D006017:Glycolipids; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta