title: MAIT cells, surveyors of a new class of antigen: development and functions.
abstract: Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are evolutionarily conserved T cells that are restricted by the non-classical MHC-1b molecule, MR1. MAIT cells are selected on hematopoietic cells, and exit the thymus with a naïve phenotype before expanding in the periphery and attaining a memory phenotype. MAIT cells represent an abundant oligoclonal population in human blood and liver. MAIT cells react against a newly identified class of antigens: vitamin B metabolites, which are found in most bacteria and yeasts. MAIT cells secrete IFN-γ and IL-17 and their frequencies are modified in several diseases. The specificity, evolutionary conservation and unique features of MAIT cells indicate important functions, either against a ubiquitous pathogen or in gut immune/epithelial homeostasis.
authors: INSERM U932, Institut Curie, Paris 75005, France.
authors: Lionel
authors: L
authors: Le Bourhis
authors: Yvonne K
authors: YK
authors: Mburu
authors: Olivier
authors: O
authors: Lantz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D014803:Vitamin B Complex