Abstract
The term “Natural Killer T (NKT) cells” was first used in the 1990s to designate T lymphocytes expressing the NK marker NK1.1 (NKR-P1A or CD161). Subsequently, this population turned out to be quite heterogeneous and it is now well-established that it includes several subsets with distinct functional capacities. Among them, the invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are at present the most abundant and best characterized subset. They express the invariant Vα14J αϕ0α18 chain in mice and the Vα14J α18 chain in humans, preferentially paired with limited TCR Vβ chains. This particular T cell population, which recognizes glycolipids instead of peptides, is implicated in the severity of experimental allergic asthma. The influence of iNKT cells in the human pathology is still a matter of discussion. Here, we will briefly address these points in the following paragraphs.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
