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Parallels and distinctions between T and NKT cell development in the thymus
Author(s) -
Berzins Stuart P,
Uldrich Adam P,
Pellicci Daniel G,
McNab Finlay,
Hayakawa Yoshihiro,
Smyth Mark J,
Godfrey Dale I
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
immunology and cell biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.999
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1440-1711
pISSN - 0818-9641
DOI - 10.1111/j.0818-9641.2004.01256.x
Subject(s) - natural killer t cell , biology , immunology , autoimmunity , cell , microbiology and biotechnology , t cell , immune system , genetics
NKT cells are emerging as an extremely influential regulatory subset of T lymphocytes that are functionally and developmentally distinct from their mainstream counterparts. Like other T cells, NKT cells are thymus‐dependent but their apparently unique pathway of differentiation is poorly characterized. Given the strong association between NKT cell deficiency and increased incidences of autoimmunity and cancer it is imperative that the mechanisms by which NKT cells are generated becomes better understood. This review examines what is known about NKT cell development in the thymus and highlights elements of the pathway that differ significantly from mainstream T‐cell development. It is here that NKT cell‐specific disorders may originate and may best be addressed.