Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in Rheumatic Diseases.

ABSTRACT: Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells defined by their semi-invariant T cell receptor and restriction by the major histocompatibility complex class I-related molecule (MR1). These cells are primarily activated by microbial-derived metabolites presented by MR1 or by cytokines. Upon activation, MAIT cells rapidly produce proinflammatory cytokines, including interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin-17, and secrete cytotoxic molecules, such as granzyme B. Because of their ability to interact with microbiota and accumulate in inflamed tissues, MAIT cells have attracted great interest in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize recent findings on MAIT cells in major rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spon

SUBMITTER: Lesturgie-Talarek M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12936898 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature