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MAIT cells and pathogen defense

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Abstract

Mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a unique population of innate T cells that are abundant in humans. These cells possess an evolutionarily conserved invariant T cell receptor α chain restricted by the nonpolymorphic class Ib major histocompatibility (MHC) molecule, MHC class I-related protein (MR1). The recent discovery that MAIT cells are activated by MR1-bound riboflavin metabolite derivatives distinguishes MAIT cells from all other αβ T cells in the immune system. Since mammals lack the capacity to synthesize riboflavin, intermediates from the riboflavin biosynthetic pathway are distinct microbial molecular patterns that provide a unique signal to the immune system. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that MAIT cells, which produce important cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF, and IL-17A, have the potential to influence immune responses to a broad range of pathogens. Here we will discuss our current understanding of MAIT cell biology and their role in pathogen defense.

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  1. Division of Bacterial Parasitic and Allergenic Products, Laboratory of Mycobacterial Diseases and Cellular Immunology, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 1401 Rockville Pike HFM-431, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA

    Siobhán C. Cowley

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Cowley, S.C. MAIT cells and pathogen defense. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 71, 4831–4840 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-014-1708-y

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