Inflammatory Phenotype of Intrahepatic Sulfatide-Reactive Type II NKT Cells in Humans With Autoimmune Hepatitis.

ABSTRACT: Background: Natural Killer T (NKT) cells are CD1d-restricted innate-like T cells that can rapidly release stored cytokines upon recognition of lipid antigens. In mice, type I NKT cells seem to promote liver inflammation, whereas type II NKT cells seem to restrict hepatitis. Here, we aimed at characterizing the role of human type I and type II NKT in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Methods: NKT cells were analyzed by flow cytometry in peripheral blood and liver of AIH patients and control groups. α-galactosylceramide-loaded or sulfatide-loaded tetramers were used to detect type I or II NKT cells, respectively. Hepatic CD1d was stained by in situ-hybridization of liver biopsies. Results and Conclusions: Type II NKT cells were more prevalent in human peri

SUBMITTER: Sebode M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6546815 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature