Document Type
Article
Journal Title
The Journal of experimental medicine
Publication Date
10-4-1999
Volume
190
Abstract
The function of natural killer T (NKT) cells in the immune system has yet to be determined. There is some evidence that their defect is associated with autoimmunity, but it is still unclear how they play a role in regulating the pathogenesis of T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. It was originally proposed that NKT cells could control autoimmunity by shifting the cytokine profile of autoimmune T cells toward a protective T helper 2 cell (Th2) type. However, it is now clear that the major function of NKT cells in the immune system is not related to their interleukin (IL)-4 secretion. In fact, NKT cells mainly secrete interferon (IFN)-gamma and, activated in the presence of IL-12, acquire a strong inflammatory phenotype and cytotoxic function.
MeSH Headings
Animals, Autoimmunity, Cell Differentiation, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1, Inflammation, Interferon-gamma, Interleukin-12, Killer Cells, Natural, Lymphocyte Activation, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Inbred NOD, Mice, SCID, Phenotype, Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, Th2 Cells
ISSN
0022-1007
DOI Link
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Falcone, Marika; Yeung, Brian; Tucker, Lee; Rodriguez, Enrique; and Sarvetnick, Nora, "A defect in interleukin 12-induced activation and interferon gamma secretion of peripheral natural killer T cells in nonobese diabetic mice suggests new pathogenic mechanisms for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus." (1999). Journal Articles: Regenerative Medicine. 26.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/reg_articles/26