NKT cells

NKT cells are key players in the regulation of antitumor immunity, particularly in experimental models of tumor immunotherapy, such as IL-12 or alpha-galactosylceramide administration. They may also operate in natural antitumor immunity.

NKT cells are best known for their immunosuppressive functions; however, NKT cells interact with a range of other cell types (particularly dendritic cells and NK cells) and the outcome of NKT-cell stimulation depends on these and on the cytokine/co-stimulatory milieu.

References

 Smyth MJ, Crowe NY, Hayakawa Y, Takeda K, Yagita H, Godfrey DI. NKT cells - conductors of tumor immunity? Curr Opin Immunol. 2002 Apr;14(2):165-71. PMID: 11869887

 McMahon CW, Raulet DH. Expression and function of NK cell receptors in CD8+ T cells. Curr Opin Immunol. 2001 Aug;13(4):465-70. PMID: 11498303

 Biron CA, Brossay L. NK cells and NKT cells in innate defense against viral infections. Curr Opin Immunol. 2001 Aug;13(4):458-64. PMID: 11498302