Non-reducing end alpha-mannosylated glycolipids as potent activators for invariant Valpha19 TCR-bearing natural killer T cells

Mycobacterial mannose-capped lipoarabinomannan: a modulator bridging innate and adaptive immunity

Mannose-capped lipoarabinomannan (ManLAM) is a high molecular mass amphipathic lipoglycan identified in pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) and M. bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). ManLAM, serves as both an immunogen and a modulator of the host immune system, and its critical role in mycobacterial survival during infection has been well-characterized. ManLAM can be recognized by various types of receptors on both innate and adaptive immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), neutrophils, natural killer T (NKT) cells, T cells and B cells. MamLAM has been shown to affect phagocytosis, cytokine production, antigen presentation, T cell activation and polarization, as well as antibody production. Exploring the mechanisms underlying the roles of ManLAM during mycobacterial infection will aid in improving tuberculosis (TB) prevention, diagnosis and treatment interventions. In this review, we highlight the interaction between ManLAM and receptors, intracellular signalling pathways triggered by ManLAM and its roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Mucosal associated invariant T cells and the immune response to infection

Mucosal associated invariant T cells are unique T cells localized at high frequencies at the portals of entry for many pathogens. Mucosal associated invariant T cells display a variety of characteristics that suggest their function is to act as effectors in the initial control of microbial infection at mucosal sites.

Diverse roles of non-diverse molecules: MHC class Ib molecules in host defense and control of autoimmunity

While the prime function of classical MHC class I molecules (MHC-I) is to present peptide antigens to pathogen-specific cytotoxic T cells, non-classical MHC-I antigens perform a diverse array of functions in both innate and adaptive immunity. In this review we summarize recent evidence that non classical MHC-I molecules are not only recognized by pathogen-specific T cells but that they also serve as immunoregulatory molecules by stimulating a number of distinct non-conventional T cell subsets.