NKT and NKT-like Cells in Autoimmune Neuroinflammatory Diseases-Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis and Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Sep 1;22(17):9520. doi: 10.3390/ijms22179520.

Abstract

NKT cells comprise three subsets-type I (invariant, iNKT), type II, and NKT-like cells, of which iNKT cells are the most studied subset. They are capable of rapid cytokine production after the initial stimulus, thus they may be important for polarisation of Th cells. Due to this, they may be an important cell subset in autoimmune diseases. In the current review, we are summarising results of NKT-oriented studies in major neurological autoimmune diseases-multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome and their corresponding animal models.

Keywords: EAE; MS; NKT; iNKT; multiple sclerosis; myasthenia gravis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / immunology*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / pathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / pathology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / pathology
  • Myasthenia Gravis / immunology*
  • Myasthenia Gravis / pathology
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / immunology*
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / pathology