CD1d+ Goblet Cells Expand Colon-Resident Immature, Intermediate and Differentiated iNKT Cells to Limit Colitis.

ABSTRACT: Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells recognize glycolipid antigens presented on CD1d and rapidily respond to direct immune responses. iNKT cells develop in the thymus and migrate to peripheral tissues in what has been presumed to be differentiated/committed states. Accordingly, colonic iNKT cells are established in early life, considered to remain 'fixed' post-weaning, and determine life-long colitis susceptibility. Using single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we demonstrate that humans and mice contain colonic iNKT populations transcriptionally resembling immature and intermediate thymic iNKT precursors. Contrary to prevailing paradigms, we demonstrate colonic iNKT cell populations expand in adult mice when CD1d expressing colonic goblet cells form goblet cell-associated antigen passa

SUBMITTER: John V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12486123 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature