Natural Killer T-Cells: Roles, Interactions, and Interventions - Hardcover

Nathan V. Fournier

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1604562870 ISBN 13: 9781604562873

Publisher: Nova Science Publishers Inc, 2008

Synopsis

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a heterogeneous group of T cells that share properties of both T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Many of these cells recognize the non-polymorphic CD1d molecule, an antigen-presenting molecule that binds self- and foreign lipids and glycolipids. Upon activation, NK T cells are able to produce large quantities of interferon-gamma, IL-4, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, as well as multiple other cytokines and chemokines (such as IL-2 and TNF-alpha). NKT cells seem to be essential for several aspects of immunity because their dysfunction or deficiency has been shown to lead to the development of autoimmune diseases (such as diabetes or atherosclerosis) and cancers. NKT cells have recently been implicated in the disease progression of human asthma. The clinical potential of NKT cells lies in the rapid release of cytokines (such as IL-2, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-4) that promote or suppress different immune responses.

About this title

Product Description

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a heterogeneous group of T cells that share properties of both T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Many of these cells recognize the non-polymorphic CD1d molecule, an antigen-presenting molecule that binds self and foreign lipids and glycolipids. Upon activation, NK T cells are able to produce interferon-gamma.

Edition details

• Publisher: Nova Science Publishers Inc
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1604562870
• ISBN 13: 9781604562873
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 200
• Editor: Nathan V. Fournier