Abstract
Abstract Natural killer T (NKT) cells play a pivotal role in maintaining immune homeostasis. NKT cells rapidly secrete both proinflammatory and inflammatory cytokines following activation. However, the role costimulatory molecules during activation and their impact on effector functions have yet to be clearly defined. Our innovative system, which utilizes bead-based artificial Antigen Presenting Cells (aAPC), allows us to systematically evaluate the role of different costimulatory molecules on NKT cell activation and expansion. In this study, we have examined the effects of CD28, CD44, CD161, and OX-40 on NKT cell proliferation, phenotype and function. We found that the costimulatory molecules which increased NKT cell proliferation also enhanced cytokine production and cytotoxic function. These studies will enhance our knowledge of NKT cell biology and may aid in the development of novel NKT cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of infectious and autoimmune diseases, as well as cancer.
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