NKT cell development in the absence of the autoimmune regulator gene (Aire)

Abstract

Autoimmune regulator gene (Aire)-deficient mice develop an array of autoimmune lesions that reflect failures of immune tolerance. Negative selection is clearly compromised in these mice, but there is evidence to suggest that other mechanisms of tolerance might also be affected, including a possible impairment of regulatory T cell (Treg) development. Studies to date have failed to demonstrate any significant impact on the development or function of the FOXP3+ Treg compartment, but NKT cells represent a distinct regulatory cell lineage that also develop in the thymus and which are known to influence self-tolerance. Aire-related defects coincide with NKT cell deficiencies in a number of animal models, but the direct consequence of Aire-deficiency on NKT cell development has not been established. In this study, we demonstrate that the frequency, distribution and cytokine production of NKT cells and their subsets is principally normal in Aire-deficient mice. We conclude that Aire has little or no effect on regulatory T cell development in general and NKT cells in particular.