Type I natural killer T cells: naturally born for fighting

Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2010 Sep;31(9):1123-32. doi: 10.1038/aps.2010.119. Epub 2010 Aug 9.

Abstract

Type capital I, Ukrainian natural killer T cells (NKT cells), a subset of CD1d-restricted T cells with invariant Valphabeta TCR, are characterized by prompt production of large amounts of Th1 and/or Th2 cytokines upon primary stimulation through the TCR complex. The rapid release of cytokines implies that type capital I, Ukrainian NKT cells may play a critical role in modulating the upcoming immune responses, such as anti-tumor response, protection against infection, and autoimmunity. As a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, type capital I, Ukrainian NKT cells differentiate and mature upon stimulations to achieve and maintain a homeostasis. Orchestrating with other arms of adaptive immunity, type capital I, Ukrainian NKT cells show strong cytotoxic effects in response to various tumors in a direct and/or indirect manner(s). This review will focus primarily on type capital I, Ukrainian NKT cell development, homeostasis, and effector functions, especially in anti-tumor immunity, and followed by their potential applications in treatment of cancers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Humans
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / cytology*
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Cytokines