MAIT cells in infectious diseases

Abstract

In humans, MAIT cells represent the most abundant T cell subset reacting against bacteria. Their frequency in the blood is decreased in a large variety of infectious diseases of either bacterial or viral origin. MAIT cells accumulate at the site of bacterial infection and are protective in experimental infection models. Recent epidemiological evidence supports an implication of MAIT cells in protecting against tuberculosis. MAIT cells can be activated either through direct recognition of microbial ligands or by inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12 and IL-18. MAIT cells secrete IFN-γ, IL-17 and/or other effector molecules according to the context of triggering. MAIT cells can kill bacterially infected epithelial cells in vitro. Herein, we summarize and discuss the data suggesting a role for MAIT cells in infectious diseases.