Unconventional T cells include γδ T cells, invariant Natural Killer T cells (iNKT) cells and Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells, which are distinguished from conventional T cells by their recognition of non-peptide ligands presented by non-polymorphic antigen presenting molecules and rapid effector functions that are pre-programmed during their development. Here we review current knowledge of the effect of age on unconventional T cells, from early life to old age, in both mice and humans. We then discuss the role of unconventional T cells in age-associated diseases and infections, highlighting the similarities between members of the unconventional T cell family in the context of aging.
Journal article
Seminars in immunology
09/2023
69
Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. Electronic address: ayako.kurioka@ndm.ox.ac.uk.
Animals, Humans, Mice, Aging, Natural Killer T-Cells, Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells