The CD4^-CD8^- MAIT cell subpopulation is a functionally distinct subset developmentally related to the main CD8⁺ MAIT cell pool.

ABSTRACT: Mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are unconventional innate-like T cells that recognize microbial riboflavin metabolites presented by the MHC class I-like protein MR1. Human MAIT cells predominantly express the CD8α coreceptor (CD8⁺), with a smaller subset lacking both CD4 and CD8 (double-negative, DN). However, it is unclear if these two MAIT cell subpopulations distinguished by CD8α represent functionally distinct subsets. Here, we show that the two MAIT cell subsets express divergent transcriptional programs and distinct patterns of classic T cell transcription factors. Furthermore, CD8⁺ MAIT cells have higher levels of receptors for IL-12 and IL-18, as well as of the activating receptors CD2, CD9, and NKG2D, and display superior functionality following st

SUBMITTER: Dias J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6298106 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature