Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology
Open Access

Abstract

Dissecting the Roles of Natural Killer T cells in Autoimmune Disorders and Malignancy

Bimonte Sabrina, Barbieri Antonio, Palma Giuseppe, Turco Maria Caterina and Arra Claudio

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a heterogeneous group of T cells that share properties of both T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Many of these cells recognize the non-polymorphic CD1d molecule, an antigen-presenting molecule that binds self and non-self glycolipids and lipids. NKT cells are able to influence autoimmune and cancer diseases, thanks to their innate and adaptative immune properties. A hallmark of NKT cells is their ability to express proand anti-inflammatory T helper(h)1 and Th2 cytokines upon antigenic stimulation, and to modify both inflammatory mediators and late stage T cell responses. Thus, NKT cells are considered critical cells in regulatory events that direct the inflammatory response. Additionally, NKT cells can regulate the functions of other NKT subsets. The purpose of this review is to highlight the importance of NKT cells as regulators of autoimmunity disorders and cancer.