Molecular insights into metabolite antigen recognition by mucosal-associated invariant T cells

Curr Opin Immunol. 2023 Aug:83:102351. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102351. Epub 2023 Jun 3.

Abstract

Metabolite-based T-cell immunity is emerging as a major player in antimicrobial immunity, autoimmunity, and cancer. Here, small-molecule metabolites were identified to be captured and presented by the major histocompatibility complex class-I-related molecule (MR1) to T cells, namely mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAIT) and diverse MR1-restricted T cells. Both MR1 and MAIT are evolutionarily conserved in many mammals, suggesting important roles in host immunity. Rational chemical modifications of these naturally occurring metabolites, termed altered metabolite ligands (AMLs), have advanced our understanding of the molecular correlates of MAIT T cell receptor (TCR)-MR1 recognition. This review provides a generalized framework for metabolite recognition and modulation of MAIT cells.

Keywords: Altered Metabolites Ligands; MAIT immunity; MR1; MR1-restricted T; Metabolite antigens.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Humans
  • Mammals
  • Minor Histocompatibility Antigens
  • Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
  • Minor Histocompatibility Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell