Abstract
While most studies of T lymphocytes have focused on T cells reactive to complexes of peptide and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins, many other types of T cells do not fit this paradigm. These include CD1-restricted T cells, MR1-restricted mucosal associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells), MHC class Ib-reactive T cells, and gammadelta T cells. Collectively, these T cells are considered unconventional , in part because they can recognize lipids, small-molecule metabolites and specially modified peptides. Unlike MHC-reactive T cells, these apparently disparate T cell types generally show simplified patterns of T cell antigen receptor (TCR) expression, rapid effector responses and public antigen specificities. Here we review evidence showing that unconventional T cells are an abundant component of the human immune system and discuss the immunotherapeutic potential of these cells and their antigenic targets.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1114 - 1123 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Nature Immunology |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |