Invariant NKT cells provide innate and adaptive help for B cells

Emilie E. Vomhof-DeKrey, Jennifer Yates, Elizabeth A. Leadbetter

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

B cells rely on CD4+ T cells helper signals to optimize their responses to T-dependent antigens. Recently another subset of T cells has been identified which provides help for B cells, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. iNKT cells are unique because they provide both innate and adaptive forms of help to B cells, with divergent outcomes. iNKT cells are widely distributed throughout the spleen at rest, consolidate in the marginal zone of the spleen early after activation, and are later found in germinal centers. Understanding the activation requirements for iNKT cells has led to the development of glycolipid containing nanoparticles which efficiently activate iNKT cells, enhance their cooperation with B cells, and which hold promise for vaccine development.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)12-17
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent Opinion in Immunology
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2014
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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