Aging unconventionally: γδ T cells, iNKT cells, and MAIT cells in aging

Ayako Kurioka; Paul Klenerman

doi:10.1016/j.smim.2023.101816

Aging unconventionally: γδ T cells, iNKT cells, and MAIT cells in aging

Semin Immunol. 2023 Sep:69:101816. doi: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101816. Epub 2023 Aug 1.

Authors

Ayako Kurioka¹, Paul Klenerman²

Affiliations

¹ Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. Electronic address: ayako.kurioka@ndm.ox.ac.uk.
² Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.

Abstract

Unconventional T cells include γδ T cells, invariant Natural Killer T cells (iNKT) cells and Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells, which are distinguished from conventional T cells by their recognition of non-peptide ligands presented by non-polymorphic antigen presenting molecules and rapid effector functions that are pre-programmed during their development. Here we review current knowledge of the effect of age on unconventional T cells, from early life to old age, in both mice and humans. We then discuss the role of unconventional T cells in age-associated diseases and infections, highlighting the similarities between members of the unconventional T cell family in the context of aging.

Keywords: Aging; Cancer; Gamma delta T cells; INKT cells; Inflammaging; MAIT cells.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Aging
Animals
Humans
Mice
Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells*
Natural Killer T-Cells*

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

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