Invariant NKT cell regulation of autoimmunity

Accumulating evidence supports the notion that invariant NKT cells that recognize glycolipids presented by CD1d can play a role in the regulation of certain types of autoimmunity. Focusing mainly on studies of type 1 diabetes and several other common autoimmune diseases, we present an overview of the available knowledge and current speculations on the immunoregulatory mechanisms of NKT cells. Targeting invariant NKT cells with specific glycolipids that bind to CD1d might prove to be a powerful means of modulating autoimmunity.

Section editors:David Scott – University of Mariland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USATerry L. Delovitch – The John P. Robarts Research Institute, London, Canada