Modulation of human natural killer T cell ligands on TLR-mediated antigen-presenting cell activation

M Salio, AO Speak, D Shepherd… - Proceedings of the …, 2007 - National Acad Sciences
M Salio, AO Speak, D Shepherd, P Polzella, PA Illarionov, N Veerapen, GS Besra, FM Platt
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2007National Acad Sciences
Invariant natural killer T (i NKT) cells are a subset of nonconventional T cells recognizing
endogenous and/or exogenous glycolipid antigens in the context of CD1d molecules. It
remains unclear whether innate stimuli can modify the profile of endogenous lipids
recognized by i NKT cells on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). We report that
activation of human APCs by Toll-like receptor ligands (TLR-L) modulates the lipid
biosynthetic pathway, resulting in enhanced recognition of CD1d-associated lipids by i NKT …
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a subset of nonconventional T cells recognizing endogenous and/or exogenous glycolipid antigens in the context of CD1d molecules. It remains unclear whether innate stimuli can modify the profile of endogenous lipids recognized by iNKT cells on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). We report that activation of human APCs by Toll-like receptor ligands (TLR-L) modulates the lipid biosynthetic pathway, resulting in enhanced recognition of CD1d-associated lipids by iNKT cells, as defined by IFN-γ secretion. APC-derived soluble factors further increase CD1d-restricted iNKT cell activation. Finally, using soluble tetrameric iNKT T cell receptors (TCR) as a staining reagent, we demonstrate specific up-regulation of CD1d-bound ligand(s) on TLR-mediated APC maturation. The ability of innate stimuli to modulate the lipid profile of APCs resulting in iNKT cell activation and APC maturation underscores the role of iNKT cells in assisting priming of antigen-specific immune responses.
National Acad Sciences