NKT cell immune responses to viral infection.
BACKGROUND
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a heterogeneous population of innate T cells that have attracted interest because of their potential to regulate immune responses to a variety of pathogens. The most widely studied NKT cell subset is the invariant (i)NKT cells that recognize glycolipids in the context of the CD1d molecule. The multifaceted methods of activation iNKT cells possess and their ability to produce regulatory cytokines has made them a primary target for studies.


OBJECTIVE
To give insights into the roles of iNKT cells during infectious diseases, particularly viral infections. We also highlight mechanisms leading to iNKT cell activation in response to pathogens.


CONCLUSIONS
iNKT cell's versatility allows them to detect and respond to several viruses. Therapeutic approaches to specifically target iNKT cells will require additional research. Notably, the roles of non-invariant NKT cells in response to pathogens warrant further investigation.
Tessmer
Marlowe S
MS
Brown University, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Providence, USA.
Fatima
Ayesha
A
Paget
Christophe
C
Trottein
Francois
F
Brossay
Laurent
L
D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D055610:Antigens, CD1d / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006017:Glycolipids / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000276:immunology*
D000941:Antigens; D055610:Antigens, CD1d; D016207:Cytokines; D006017:Glycolipids