Xth EMOP, August 2008

Role of natural killer T lymphocytes during helminthic infection

¹ Institut National de la Recherche Médicale, U547, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 1, rue du Professeur Calmette, Lille, 59019, France
² Present address. University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, Colorado, 80206, USA

^* Correspondence: Unité Inserm U547, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 1, rue du Professeur Calmette, 59019 Lille Cedex, France. Tel.: 33 (0)3 20 87 78 85 – Fax: 33 (0)3 20 87 78 88. E-mail: francois.trottein@pasteur-lille.fr

Abstract

Natural killer (NK)T cells are innate lymphocytes that release important amount of immunoregulatory cytokines (IFN-γ and/or IL-4) shortly after T cell receptor engagement by (glyco)lipid antigens presented by the CD1d molecules. Through this property, NKT cells play pivotal role in many physiopathologic situations. Here, we review the current knowledge of the functions and mechanisms of activation of NKT cells during infection, with a particular emphasis on helminthic infections. Recent findings suggest that, although dispensable for host resistance, NKT cells play part in the development of the acquired immune response and in the control of the pathology during murine schistosomiasis.