The Role of CD1d and MR1 Restricted T Cells in the Liver

Wenyong Huang, Wenjing He, Xiaomin Shi, Xiaoshun He, Lang Dou, Yifang Gao

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

The liver is one of the most important immunological organs that remains tolerogenic in homeostasis yet promotes rapid responses to pathogens in the presence of a systemic infection. The composition of leucocytes in the liver is highly distinct from that of the blood and other lymphoid organs, particularly with respect to enrichment of innate T cells, i.e., invariant NKT cells (iNKT cells) and Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cells (MAIT cells). In recent years, studies have revealed insights into their biology and potential roles in maintaining the immune-environment in the liver. As the primary liver-resident immune cells, they are emerging as significant players in the human immune system and are associated with an increasing number of clinical diseases. As such, innate T cells are promising targets for modifying host defense and inflammation of various liver diseases, including viral, autoimmune, and those of tumor origin. In this review, we emphasize and discuss some of the recent discoveries and advances in the biology of innate T cells, their recruitment and diversity in the liver, and their role in various liver diseases, postulating on their potential application in immunotherapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Number of pages1
JournalFrontiers in immunology
Volume9
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018

Keywords

  • CD1d restriction
  • iNKT cells
  • innate T cells
  • liver diseases
  • MAIT cells

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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