MAIT cell diversity, function and impact on dendritic cells

Abstract

T cells represent an important component of the immune system. Whilst early studies were largely focused on the role of conventional CD8+ and CD4+ T cells that recognize peptide-antigens in association with MCH molecules, more recently, T cells that recognize other types of antigens have been described. Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are such a cell population and belong to the broad family known as ‘unconventional’ T cells, due to their non-peptidic antigen recognition characteristics. MAIT cells are defined by their recognition of microbial vitamin B2 metabolites presented by MHC related protein 1 (MR1). Upon antigen recognition they immediately display effector functions, lik..