bims-maitce 2023-10-22 papers

Issue of 2023‒10‒22
two papers selected by
Andy E. Hogan, Maynooth University

Front Immunol. 2023 ;14 1273459

Unconventional T cells in brain homeostasis, injury and neurodegeneration.

The interaction between peripheral immune cells and the brain is an important component of the neuroimmune axis. Unconventional T cells, which include natural killer T (NKT) cells, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, γδ T cells, and other poorly defined subsets, are a special group of T lymphocytes that recognize a wide range of nonpolymorphic ligands and are the connection between adaptive and innate immunity. Recently, an increasing number of complex functions of these unconventional T cells in brain homeostasis and various brain disorders have been revealed. In this review, we describe the classification and effector function of unconventional T cells, review the evidence for the involvement of unconventional T cells in the regulation of brain homeostasis, summarize the roles and mechanisms of unconventional T cells in the regulation of brain injury and neurodegeneration, and discuss immunotherapeutic potential as well as future research goals. Insight of these processes can shed light on the regulation of T cell immunity on brain homeostasis and diseases and provide new clues for therapeutic approaches targeting brain injury and neurodegeneration.

Keywords: MAIT cell; NKT cell; brain injury; ischemic stroke; meninges; multiple sclerosis; neurodegeneration; γδ T cell

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1273459

Iran J Immunol. 2023 Oct 16. 20(4):

Behaviors of Human T cells in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Lessons and Tips.

Ali Shams, Sahar Khosravi, Aysan Zareiye, Yeganeh Lalehzari, Reyhane Nematollahi, Solmaz Basti.

Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) is crucial in controlling the highly aggressive and progressive SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite extensive researches on severe COVID-19 infection, the etiology and/or mechanisms of lymphopenia, decreased T cell-mediated responses in patients, cytokine release storms (CRS), and enhanced pro-inflammatory mediators are not fully understood. Several T cell subpopulations, including innate-like lymphocytes (ILLs) and conventional T cells, are involved in COVID-19 infection; however, their contribution to immunity and complications remains to be more elucidated. CD16+ T cells are among the effective players in the development of T helper1 (Th1) responses in COVID-19 infection, while their robust cytolytic properties contribute to lung tissue damage. While CD56-CD16bright NK cells play a protective role, natural killer T (NKT) cells, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and γδ T cells and their roles in COVID-19 require further investigation. The involvement of the other T cell subsets, such as Th17, along with neutrophils, adds to the complexity of the situation. In this review, we presented and discussed the findings of recent studies on T cell responses and the contribution of each type of immune cells to COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cell-mediated Immunity; Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cells; NKT cells; T helper cells; γδ T cells

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22034/iji.2023.98326.2567