Biliary epithelium and liver B cells exposed to bacteria activate intrahepatic MAIT cells through MR1.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells characterised by the invariant TCR-chain, Vα7.2-Jα33, and are restricted by MR1, which presents bacterial vitamin B metabolites. They are important for antibacterial immunity at mucosal sites; however, detailed characteristics of liver-infiltrating MAIT (LI-MAIT) and their role in biliary immune surveillance remain unexplored.

Methods

The phenotype and intrahepatic localisation of human LI-MAIT cells was examined in diseased and normal livers. MAIT cell activation in response to E. coli-exposed macrophages, biliary epithelial cells (BEC) and liver B cells was assessed with/without anti-MR1.

Results

Intrahepatic MAIT cells predominantly localised to bile ducts in the portal tracts. Co

SUBMITTER: Jeffery HC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4822535 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature