The molecular and cellular basis of antigen recognition by unconventional T cells

Abstract

Unconventional T cells are evolutionarily conserved populations of T cells, many of which recognise non-peptide antigens in the context of monomorphic antigen presentation molecules related to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). These MHC related molecules, known as CD1 and MR1 present lipid and small metabolite antigens respectively. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a subset of unconventional T cells that are highly abundant in humans and recognise the potent riboflavin biosynthesis derived metabolite 5-OP-RU presented by MR1. The majority of MAIT cells in the peripheral blood of humans express the CD8 co-receptor, a molecule also expressed by other T cells that cont..