| Abstract: |
The immune system has several cellular components that can theoretically be recruited for protection from tumors [1, 2]. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are the adaptive components of cell-mediated immunity. These cells differentiate upon antigen encounter to produce cytokines and lytic products, clonally expand, and establish memory. Natural killer (NK) and NKT cells have innate functions, already prepared to produce cytokines and lyse cells upon tumor recognition. NK and NKT cells do proliferate upon exposure to cytokines like IL-2, but they are not known to establish memory with either expanded cell numbers or improved function. In contrast to CD4 and CD8+ T cells that recognize peptide ligands in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I and II products, the NKT cells respond to glycolipid ligands presented in the context of CD1d on antigen presenting cells. Here I will review the recent data that have emphasized the growing importance of NKT cells in resistance against tumors. |
