Role of type II NKT cells in the suppression of graft-versus-host disease

Sae Jin Oh, Ji Hyung Kim, Chang Ki Min, Doo Hyun Chung

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Natural killer T (NKT) cells, a distinct subset of T cells that recognize glycolipids on CD1d molecules, express both TCR and NK receptors and are critical in regulating various immune responses by modulating the Th1/Th2 balance. Upon activation, NKT cells produce large amounts of IL-4 and IFN-γ, resulting in the enhancement or inhibition of immune responses. Recent studies have shown that NKT cells are heterogeneous in terms of the expression of a specific Vα chain of TCR (Vα14-Jα18 in mice and Vα24-JαQ in humans) and reactivity against the glycolipid α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer). Accordingly, NKT cells are classified into type I (invariant) and type II (non-invariant) cells in mice and humans. Although the functional roles of type I NKT cells are well characterized in various immune diseases, little is known regarding the function of type II NKT cells. Recent study has demonstrated that type II NKT cells in donor bone marrow play protective roles in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), in which the complicated immunologic processes are involved. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis of GVHD and the distinct functions of type II NKT cells in the development of GVHD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)249-267
Number of pages19
JournalCritical Reviews in Immunology
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bone marrow
  • GVHD
  • NKT cells
  • Protection
  • Type II non-invariant

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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