Abstract
The evolutionary conservation of T lymphocyte subsets bearing αβ TCRs using invariant α-chains is indicative of unique and important functions. Among these T lymphocytes, NKT cells that express an invariant TCRα-chain and recognize lipid Ags presented by the nonclassical MHC class I molecule CD1d are probably the most studied. However, a new population of evolutionarily conserved T cells with another invariant TCRα rearrangement was recently characterized. These cells, which are very abundant in humans, tend to reside in mucosal tissues and, therefore, were named mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. Until recently, little was known about MAIT cells; however, several recent advances in our understanding of MAIT cell characteristics and functions secure their upcoming rise to fame in the immunology field and in clinical practice.
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