title: Development of invariant natural killer T cells.
abstract: Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells develop into functionally distinct subsets. Each subset expresses a unique combination of transcription factors that regulate cytokine gene transcription upon activation. The tissue distribution and localization within tissues also varies between subsets. Importantly, the relative abundance of the various subsets is directly responsible for altering several immunological parameters, which subsequently affect the immune response. Here, I review recent advances in our understanding of the molecular regulation of iNKT cell subset development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus and National Jewish Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Electronic address: Laurent.gapin@ucdenver.edu.
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gapin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D055611:Natural Killer T-Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology*; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D014157:Transcription Factors