Type 2 Natural Killer T cell (Type 2 NKT cell)

Type 2 Natural Killer T (NKT) cells are a distinct subset of T lymphocytes that recognize lipid antigens presented by the MHC class I-like molecule CD1d. Unlike Type 1 NKT cells, which possess an invariant T-cell receptor (TCR), Type 2 NKT cells have a more diverse TCR repertoire and do not utilize the Valpha14-Jalpha18 (mouse) or Valpha24-Jalpha18 (human) rearrangement (PMID: 17291281). They play a critical role in immune regulation, often acting in an antagonistic fashion to Type 1 NKT cells by suppressing anti-tumor immunity and promoting tumor growth through the production of cytokines like IL-13 (PMID: 21844396). In autoimmune contexts, such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes, Type 2 NKT cells are generally considered protective, helping to maintain self-tolerance (PMID: 18490738). Therapeutic strategies focus on using specific glycolipid ligands, such as sulfatide, to modulate these cells for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease or to overcome immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment (PMID: 24534530).

Other names

Non-invariant NKT cellType II NKT cellCD1d-restricted non-invariant T cellSulfatide-reactive T cell

Activation or modulation via T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition of lipid antigens presented by the CD1d molecule, leading to the secretion of polarizing cytokines such as IL-4, IL-13, and IFN-gamma.