title: Invariant NKT cells provide innate and adaptive help for B cells.
abstract: B cells rely on CD4(+) T cells helper signals to optimize their responses to T-dependent antigens. Recently another subset of T cells has been identified which provides help for B cells, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. iNKT cells are unique because they provide both innate and adaptive forms of help to B cells, with divergent outcomes. iNKT cells are widely distributed throughout the spleen at rest, consolidate in the marginal zone of the spleen early after activation, and are later found in germinal centers. Understanding the activation requirements for iNKT cells has led to the development of glycolipid containing nanoparticles which efficiently activate iNKT cells, enhance their cooperation with B cells, and which hold promise for vaccine development.
authors: Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA.
authors: Emilie E
authors: EE
authors: Vomhof-DeKrey
authors: Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA.
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Yates
authors: Trudeau Institute, Saranac Lake, NY 12983, USA. Electronic address: Eleadbetter@trudeauinstitute.org.
authors: Elizabeth A
authors: EA
authors: Leadbetter
mesh_terms: D056704:Adaptive Immunity; D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D055611:Natural Killer T-Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D014611:Vaccination