The Regulation of CD1d+ and CD1d- tumors by NKT cells

Abstract

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are T cells that also express NK cell -markers. Unlike conventional T cells that recognize peptide antigens, NKT cells recognize lipids. CD1d, a MHC class I-like molecule, presents lipid antigens to NKT cells. Upon activation, NKT cells secrete both Th1 and Th2 cytokines, linking the innate and adaptive immune response. Due to the heterogeneity of NKT cells, their roles in the immune system are mixed and controversial. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of NKT cells as antitumor effector cells, in the control of both CD1d+ and CD1d- tumors as model systems. Overall, NKT cells exhibit a remarkable broad range of antitumor activities and show great potential for antitumor immunotherapy.