The Role of Natural Killer T (NKT) Cells in the Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes

Atherosclerosis is a multifactor, highly complex disease with numerous aetiologies that work synergistically to promote lesion development. One of the emerging components that drive the development of both early- and late-stage atherosclerotic lesions is the participation of both the innate and acquired immune systems. In both humans and animal models of atherosclerosis, the most prominent cells that infiltrate evolving lesions are macrophages and T lymphocytes. The functional loss of either of these cell types reduces the extent of atherosclerosis in mice that were rendered susceptible to the disease by deficiency of either apolipoprotein E or the LDL (low density lipoprotein) receptor. In addition to these major immune cell participants, a number of less prominent leukocyte populations that can modulate the atherogenic process are also involved. This review will focus on the participatory role of two “less prominent” immune components, namely natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells. Although this review will highlight the fact that both NK and NKT cells are not sufficient for causing the disease, the roles played by both these cells types are becoming increasingly important in understanding the complexity of this disease process.

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Activation of natural killer T cells by α-galactosylceramide treatment prevents the onset and recurrence of autoimmune Type 1 diabetes

Nature Medicine ◽

10.1038/nm0901-1057 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 7 (9) ◽

pp. 1057-1062 ◽

Cited By ~ 461

Author(s):

Shayan Sharif ◽

Guillermo A. Arreaza ◽

Peter Zucker ◽

Qing-Sheng Mi ◽

Jitin Sondhi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cells ◽

Type 1 Diabetes ◽

Natural Killer ◽

Natural Killer T Cells ◽

Killer T Cells ◽

Natural Killer T

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Natural Killer T Cells in Various Mouse Models of Hepatitis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2021/1782765 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Jun Guan ◽

Gang Wang ◽

Qin Yang ◽

Chao Chen ◽

Jingwen Deng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natural Killer ◽

Mouse Models ◽

Fas Ligand ◽

Basic Research ◽

Neutrophil Infiltration ◽

Nkt Cells ◽

Liver Injuries ◽

Integral Role ◽

Natural Killer T

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a key component of innate immunity. Importantly, a growing body of evidence indicates that NKT cells play an integral role in various acute and chronic liver injuries. NKT cells participate in the progression of an injury through the secretion of cytokines, which promote neutrophil infiltration and enhance Fas ligand (FasL) and granzyme-mediated NKT cytotoxic activity. Therefore, examining the role of NKT cells in hepatic disease is critical for a comprehensive understanding of disease pathogenesis and may provide insight into novel approaches for treatment. For more than a century, mouse models that imitate the physiopathological conditions of human disease have served as a critical tool in biological and medical basic research, including studies of liver disease. Here, we review the role of NKT cells in various mouse models of hepatitis.

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