The MAIT conundrum - how human MAIT cells distinguish bacterial colonization from infection in mucosal barrier tissues

Immunol Lett. 2017 Dec:192:7-11. doi: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.09.013. Epub 2017 Oct 5.

Abstract

We review the recent human mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cell literature to examine the signals that control MAIT cell activation. We discuss these signals in context of MAIT cell function in mucosal barrier tissues and address how MAIT cells avoid responding to commensal bacteria, while maintaining responsiveness to infections.

Keywords: Barrier tissue; Commensal bacteria; Cytokine; Effector function; Infection; Mucosal-associated invariant T cell (MAIT); T cell receptor.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
  • Bacterial Infections / immunology*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells / immunology*
  • Mucous Membrane / immunology*
  • Mucous Membrane / microbiology

Substances

  • Cytokines