Circulating mucosal-associated invariant T cell levels and their cytokine levels in healthy adults

A shotgun proteomic dataset of human mucosal-associated invariant T cells

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells represent a unique unconventional T cell population important in eliciting immunomodulatory responses in a range of diseases, including infectious diseases, autoimmunity and cancer. This innate-like T cell subset predominantly express CD8 in humans. Unlike conventional CD8+ T cells, which recognize peptide antigen presented by polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, MAIT cells are restricted by MR1, a non-polymorphic antigen-presenting molecule widely expressed in multiple tissues. Thus, identification of proteomic signature of MAIT cells in relation to conventional T cells is pivotal in understanding it's specific functional characteristics. The high-resolution dataset presents here comprehensively describes and compare the whole cell proteomes of MAIT (TCRVα7.2+CD161+) and conventional/non-MAIT T cells (TCR Vα7.2-CD161-) in humans. The dataset was generated using the proteomic samples prepared from matched T cell subsets sorted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of three healthy volunteers. Peptides obtained from trypsin-digested cell lysates were analysed using Data-Dependent Mass Spectrometry (DDA-MS). Label-free quantitation of DDA-MS data using MaxQuant and MaxLFQ software identified 4,442 proteins at a 1 % false discovery rate. Of them, 3680 proteins that were detected with single UniProt accession and a minimum of 2 unique or razor peptides were assessed to identify differentially abundant proteins between MAIT cells and conventional T cells, including total T cells and CD8+ T cells. The dataset comprises high-quality label-free quantitative proteomic data that can be used to compare the expression pattern of whole cell proteomes between the above-mentioned T cell populations. Further, this can be used as a reference proteome of human MAIT cells for the in-depth understanding of the MAIT cell behaviour among T cells and to discover potential therapeutic targets to modulate MAIT cell function.

Innate immune response in acute critical illness: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Activation of innate immunity is a first line of host defense during acute critical illness (ACI) that aims to contain injury and avoid tissue damages. Aberrant activation of innate immunity may also participate in the occurrence of organ failures during critical illness. This review aims to provide a narrative overview of recent advances in the field of innate immunity in critical illness, and to consider future potential therapeutic strategies.

MAIN TEXT

Understanding the underlying biological concepts supporting therapeutic strategies modulating immune response is essential in decision-making. We will develop the multiple facets of innate immune response, especially its cellular aspects, and its interaction with other defense mechanisms. We will first describe the pathophysiological mechanisms of initiation of innate immune response and its implication during ACI. We will then develop the amplification of innate immunity mediated by multiple effectors. Our review will mainly focus on myeloid and lymphoid cellular effectors, the major actors involved in innate immune-mediated organ failure. We will third discuss the interaction and integration of innate immune response in a global view of host defense, thus considering interaction with non-immune cells through immunothrombosis, immunometabolism and long-term reprogramming via trained immunity. The last part of this review will focus on the specificities of the immune response in children and the older population.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent understanding of the innate immune response integrates immunity in a highly dynamic global vision of host response. A better knowledge of the implicated mechanisms and their tissue-compartmentalization allows to characterize the individual immune profile, and one day eventually, to develop individualized bench-to-bedside immunomodulation approaches as an adjuvant resuscitation strategy.

Increased pathogenicity and pro-inflammatory capabilities of mucosal-associated invariant T cells involved in Oral Lichen Planus

BACKGROUND

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells assume pivotal roles in numerous autoimmune inflammatory maladies. However, scant knowledge exists regarding their involvement in the pathological progression of oral lichen planus (OLP). The focus of our study was to explore whether MAIT cells were altered across distinct clinical types of OLP.

METHODS

The frequency, phenotype, and partial functions of MAIT cells were performed by flow cytometry, using peripheral blood from 18 adults with non-erosive OLP and 22 adults with erosive OLP compared with 15 healthy adults. We also studied the changes in MAIT cells in 15 OLP patients receiving and 10 not receiving corticosteroids. Surface proteins including CD4, CD8, CD69, CD103, CD38, HLA-DR, Tim-3, Programmed Death Molecule-1 (PD-1), and related factors released by MAIT cells such as Granzyme B (GzB), interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-17A, and IL-22 were detected.

RESULTS

Within non-erosive OLP patients, MAIT cells manifested an activated phenotype, evident in an elevated frequency of CD69+ CD38+ MAIT cells (p < 0.01). Conversely, erosive OLP patients displayed an activation and depletion phenotype in MAIT cells, typified by elevated CD69 (p < 0.01), CD103 (p < 0.05), and PD-1 expression (p < 0.01). Additionally, MAIT cells exhibited heightened cytokine production, encompassing GzB, IFN-γ, and IL-17A in erosive OLP patients. Notably, the proportion of CD103+ MAIT cells (p < 0.05) and GzB secretion (p < 0.01) by MAIT cells diminished, while the proportion of CD8+ MAIT cells (p < 0.05) rose in OLP patients with corticosteroid therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

MAIT cells exhibit increased pathogenicity and pro-inflammatory capabilities in OLP. Corticosteroid therapy influences the expression of certain phenotypes and functions of MAIT cells in the peripheral blood of OLP patients.

The quantity, function and anti-tumor effect of Mucosal associated invariant T cells in patients with bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

Bladder cancer (BC), a prevalent malignancy in the urinary system, often poses challenges for effective treatment. Immunotherapy, harnessing the immune system, has exhibited promise in early-stage clinical trials. Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a subset of immune cells implicated in various diseases, including certain cancer, have yet to be explored in BC patients. We aimed to investigate the quantity, function, and anti-tumor effects of MAIT cells in BC patients.

METHODS

A total of 75 newly diagnosed BC patients and 183 healthy volunteers were included. Blood samples were collected and analyzed to evaluate the quantity and function of MAIT cells. Surgical resection provided BC tissues for further analysis, and the clinical features of BC tumors were collected and their relationship with MAIT cells was explored.

RESULTS

MAIT cells were identified in both healthy individuals and BC patients. The proportion of MAIT cells in the peripheral blood of BC patients did not significantly differ from that of healthy controls. However, the study revealed a correlation between the proportion of IFN-γ producing MAIT cells and tumor number and invasion in BC patients. Furthermore, MAIT cells exhibited cytotoxic effects on BC cells in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

This study sheds light on the role of MAIT cells in BC. While the quantity of MAIT cells showed no significant change in BC patients, their functional attributes and association with tumor characteristics suggest their potential as an immunotherapy target in BC treatment.

Evaluation of mucosal-associated invariant T-cells as a potential biomarker to predict infection risk in liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Infection is a serious complication in patients with cirrhosis. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are involved in the immune defense against infections and known to be impaired in several chronic conditions, including cirrhosis. Here, we evaluated if MAIT cell levels in peripheral blood are associated with risk of bacterial infections in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

Patients with cirrhosis seen at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, between 2016 and 2019 were included. Levels of MAIT cells in peripheral blood were determined using flow cytometry. Baseline and follow-up data after at least two years of follow-up were collected by chart review for the primary outcome (bacterial infection) and secondary outcomes (decompensation and death). Competing risk and Cox regression were performed.

RESULTS

We included 106 patients with cirrhosis. The median MAIT cells fraction in the circulation was 0.8% in cirrhosis compared to 6.1% in healthy controls. In contrast to our hypothesis, we found an association in the adjusted analysis between relatively preserved MAIT cell levels, and a slightly higher risk to develop bacterial infections (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio (aSHR) 1.15 (95%CI = 1.01-1.31). However, MAIT cell levels were not associated with the risk of hepatic decompensation (aSHR 1.19 (95%CI = 0.91-1.56)) nor with death (adjusted hazard ratio 1.10 (95%CI = 0.97-1.22)).

CONCLUSIONS

Relatively preserved MAIT cell levels in blood of patients with cirrhosis were associated with a somewhat higher risk of bacterial infections. The clinical relevance of this might not be strong. MAIT cells might however be an interesting biomarker to explore in future studies.

HLA-DR+ mucosal-associated invariant T cells predict poor prognosis in patients with sepsis: A prospective observational study

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are important in antibacterial immune responses; however, during sepsis, they are few in number and exhibit highly activated phenotypes. The relationship between MAIT cells in peripheral blood and the prognosis of sepsis is not well understood. Thus, this study aimed to examine the levels and phenotypes of MAIT cells in early sepsis, evaluate their clinical relevance, and investigate their association with patient prognosis. This prospective observational study enrolled 72 septic patients defined according to the Sepsis 3.0 criteria and 21 healthy controls matched for age and sex. Their peripheral blood samples were used to assay the expression of immune activation (CD69 and HLA-DR) and immune checkpoint (PD-1 and PD-L1) markers on MAIT cells. The systemic inflammatory response syndrome, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II, and sequential organ failure assessment scores were recorded. Subsequently, the association between MAIT cell characteristics and clinical indicators was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation analysis, and binary logistic regression analysis with a forward stepwise approach assessed independent risk factors for 28-day mortality. We noted a decrease in the percentage of MAIT cells in the patients' peripheral blood, which exhibited an activated phenotype. Besides, HLA-DR+ MAIT cell percentage and the APACHE II score were independently associated with the 28-day mortality and, in combination, were the best indicators of mortality. Thus, the percentage of HLA-DR+ MAIT cells in early sepsis serves as a novel prognostic biomarker for predicting mortality and improves the predictive capacity of the APACHE II score.

Aging unconventionally: γδ T cells, iNKT cells, and MAIT cells in aging

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.

Upregulated CD8+ MAIT cell differentiation and KLRD1 gene expression after inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination identified by single-cell sequencing

Background

The primary strategy for reducing the incidence of COVID-19 is SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Few studies have explored T cell subset differentiation and gene expressions induced by SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Our study aimed to analyze T cell dynamics and transcriptome gene expression after inoculation with an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine by using single-cell sequencing.

Methods

Single-cell sequencing was performed after peripheral blood mononuclear cells were extracted from three participants at four time points during the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination process. After library preparation, raw read data analysis, quality control, dimension reduction and clustering, single-cell T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing, TCR V(D)J sequencing, cell differentiation trajectory inference, differentially expressed genes, and pathway enrichment were analyzed to explore the characteristics and mechanisms of postvaccination immunodynamics.

Results

Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination promoted T cell proliferation, TCR clone amplification, and TCR diversity. The proliferation and differentiation of CD8+ mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells were significantly upregulated, as were KLRD1 gene expression and the two pathways of nuclear-transcribed mRNA catabolic process, nonsense-mediated decay, and translational initiation.

Conclusion

Upregulation of CD8+ MAIT cell differentiation and KLRD1 expression after inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was demonstrated by single-cell sequencing. We conclude that the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine elicits adaptive T cell immunity to enhance early immunity and rapid response to the targeted virus.

MAIT cells activate dendritic cells to promote TFH cell differentiation and induce humoral immunity

Protective immune responses against respiratory pathogens, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza virus, are initiated by the mucosal immune system. However, most licensed vaccines are administered parenterally and are largely ineffective at inducing mucosal immunity. The development of safe and effective mucosal vaccines has been hampered by the lack of a suitable mucosal adjuvant. In this study we explore a class of adjuvant that harnesses mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. We show evidence that intranasal immunization of MAIT cell agonists co-administered with protein, including the spike receptor binding domain from SARS-CoV-2 virus and hemagglutinin from influenza virus, induce protective humoral immunity and immunoglobulin A production. MAIT cell adjuvant activity is mediated by CD40L-dependent activation of dendritic cells and subsequent priming of T follicular helper cells. In summary, we show that MAIT cells are promising vaccine targets that can be utilized as cellular adjuvants in mucosal vaccines.

Mucosal-associated invariant T cells in patients with axial spondyloarthritis

Background

Several studies implicate Th17-cells and its cytokine (IL-17) in disease pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis (SpA), with available evidence supporting a pathogenic role of CD8+ T-cells. However, data on the involvement of CD8+ mucosal-associated invariant T-cells (MAIT) and their phenotypic characterization and inflammatory function including IL-17 and Granzyme A production in a homogenous population of SpA-patients with primarily axial disease (axSpA) are lacking.

Objectives

Quantify and characterize the phenotype and function of circulating CD8+MAIT-cells in axSpA-patients with primarily axial disease.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained from 41 axSpA-patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC). Numbers and percentages of MAIT-cells (defined as CD3+CD8+CD161highTCRVα7.2+) were determined, and production of IL-17 and Granzyme A (GrzA) by MAIT-cells were examined by flow cytometry upon in vitro stimulation. Serum IgG specific for CMV was measured by ELISA.

Results

No significant differences in numbers and percentages of circulating MAIT-cells were found between axSpA-patients and HCr zijn meer resultaten de centrale memory CD8 T cellen. cellen van patirculating MAIT cells.. Further phenotypic analysis revealed a significant decrease in numbers of central memory MAIT-cells of axSpA-patients compared to HC. The decrease in central memory MAIT-cells in axSpA patients was not attributed to an alteration in CD8 T-cell numbers, but correlated inversely with serum CMV-IgG titers. Production of IL-17 by MAIT-cells was comparable between axSpA-patients and HC, whereas a significant decrease in the production of GrzA by MAIT-cells from axSpA-patients was observed.

Conclusions

The decrease in cytotoxic capability of circulating MAIT-cells in axSpA-patients might implicate that these cell types migrate to the inflamed tissue and therefore associate with the axial disease pathogenesis.

Mucosal-associated invariant T cells in hematological malignancies: Current knowledge, pending questions

Non-classical HLA restricted T cell subsets such as γδ T and NK-T cells are showing promises for immune-based therapy of hematological malignancies. Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cells (MAIT) belong to this family of innate-like T cell subsets and are the focus of many studies on infectious diseases, owing to their unusual recognition of bacterial/fungal metabolites. Their ability to produce type 1 cytokines (IFNγ, TNFα) as well as cytotoxic effector molecules endows them with potential anti-tumor functions. However, their contribution to tumor surveillance in solid cancers is unclear, and only few studies have specifically focused on MAIT cells in blood cancers. In this review, we wish to recapitulate our current knowledge on MAIT cells biology in hematological neoplasms, at diagnosis and/or during treatment, as well as tentative approaches to target them as therapeutic tools. We also wish to take this opportunity to briefly elaborate on what we think are important question to address in this field, as well as potential limitations to overcome in order to make MAIT cells the basis of future, novel therapies for hematological cancers.

Development of Adaptive Immunity and Its Role in Lung Remodeling

Asthma is characterized by airflow limitations resulting from bronchial closure, which can be either reversible or fixed due to changes in airway tissue composition and structure, also known as remodeling. Airway remodeling is defined as increased presence of mucins-producing epithelial cells, increased thickness of airway smooth muscle cells, angiogenesis, increased number and activation state of fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Airway inflammation is believed to be the main cause of the development of airway remodeling in asthma. In this chapter, we will review the development of the adaptive immune response and the impact of its mediators and cells on the elements defining airway remodeling in asthma.

Mucosal-associated invariant T cells predict increased acute graft-versus-host-disease incidence in patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells, some studies have reported that the number of circulating MAIT cells reduced in patients with acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD) development. However, the role of donor MAIT cells on aGVHD development and subsequent functional change still remain unclear.

METHODS

The study recruited 86 patients with hematological malignancies who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from May 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019. MAIT cells, their subset, and cytokine levels were measured by flow cytometry. Gray's test was used to assess the impact of graft MAIT cell proportion and number on aGVHD incidence. The Cox proportional hazard model was used in the multivariate analysis. The comparison for continuous variables was assessed using Mann-Whitney analysis. RNA-sequencing was performed to investigate the possible molecular pathway changes.

RESULTS

Our study showed that the proportion of MAIT cells in grafts was not different from normal controls, but the CD4/8 subsets were altered. Taking the median of the proportion and number of MAIT cells in the graft as the threshold, the results showed that the incidence of grade B-D aGVHD in patients with MAIT cell proportion ≥ 3.03% was significantly higher than that in patients with MAIT cell proportion < 3.03% (56.3%, 95% CI 37.1-71.2 versus 23.1%, 95% CI 13.8-46.2; P = 0.038).The number of MAIT cells in the graft was not associated with aGVHD development (P = 0.173), however, when the graft contained more CD4 positive, CD8 positive, and CD4/CD8 double-positive MAIT cells, the incidence of aGVHD was significantly increased (P = 0.019, P = 0.035 and P = 0.027, respectively). Besides, reduced frequencies and counts of circulating MAIT cells were observed in patients with aGVHD when compared to patients without aGVHD, accompanied by enhanced production of Tumor necrosis factor-α, Interferon-γ and upregulated programmed death-1, CXC Chemokine Receptor-6 (CXCR6) and CD38 expression. Gene set enrichment analysis of MAIT cell RNA-seq data showed interferon-α response pathway upregulated in aGVHD patients when compared with patients without aGVHD and healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that MAIT cells in grafts and peripheral blood are both closely related to the aGVHD development post allogeneic HCT. Interferon-α response pathway perhaps is a critical regulation mechanism for the MAIT cell involvement in aGVHD development.

Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cells exhibit distinct functional signatures associated with protection against typhoid fever

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First demonstration of cytokine-secreting MAIT cell kinetics after human challenge with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi.

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MAIT cell's functional signatures and association with typhoid fever protection.

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Predictive value of MAIT cell cytokine pattern.

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Lack of association between the number of cytokines expressed by MAIT cells and prevention against typhoid fever.

We have previously demonstrated that Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells secrete multiple cytokines after exposure to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi), the causative agent of typhoid fever in humans. However, whether cytokine secreting MAIT cells can enhance or attenuate the clinical severity of bacterial infections remain debatable. This study characterizes human MAIT cell functions in subjects participating in a wild-type S. Typhi human challenge model. Here, we found that MAIT cells exhibit distinct functional signatures associated with protection against typhoid fever. We also observed that the cytokine patterns of MAIT cell responses, rather than the average number of cytokines expressed, are more predictive of typhoid fever outcomes. These results might enable us to objectively, based on functional parameters, identify cytokine patterns that may serve as predictive biomarkers during natural infection and vaccination.

Gut Microbiota-Derived Unconventional T Cell Ligands: Contribution to Host Immune Modulation

Besides the prototypic innate and adaptive pathways, immune responses by innate-like lymphocytes have gained significant attention due to their unique roles. Among innate-like lymphocytes, unconventional T cells such as NKT cells and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells recognize small nonpeptide molecules of specific chemical classes. Endogenous or microbial ligands are loaded to MHC class I-like molecule CD1d or MR1, and inducing immediate effector T cell and ligand structure is one of the key determinants of NKT/MAIT cell functions. Unconventional T cells are in close, constant contact with symbiotic microbes at the mucosal layer, and CD1d/MR1 can accommodate diverse metabolites produced by gut microbiota. There is a strong interest to identify novel immunoactive molecules of endobiotic (symbiont-produced) origin as new NKT/MAIT cell ligands, as well as new cognate Ags for previously uncharacterized unconventional T cell subsets. Further studies will open an possibility to explore basic biology as well as therapeutic potential.

Conjunctival Intraepithelial Lymphocytes, Lacrimal Cytokines and Ocular Commensal Microbiota: Analysis of the Three Main Players in Allergic Conjunctivitis

Conjunctival intraepithelial lymphocytes, tear soluble molecules and commensal microbiota have important roles in the ocular mucosal immune response in healthy and diseased subjects. For the purpose of this study, the cellular and microbial populations of the conjunctiva and the lacrimal soluble molecules were analyzed to find the main biomarkers in allergic conjunctivitis. A total of 35 healthy subjects, 28 subjects with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and 32 subjects with perennial allergic conjunctivitis were recruited to obtain peripheral blood, conjunctival brush cytology, tear fluid and microbiota samples. Flow cytometry for lymphocytes, multiplex bead assays for cytokines and high-throughput DNA sequencing for microbiome analysis were used. For perennial allergic conjunctivitis, an increased proportion of Th2 and NKT lymphocytes was found, while CD3+TCRγδ+ lymphocytes and double negative MAIT cells were decreased. In contrast, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis was distinguished by an increase in Th17 and Th22 cell proportions, while the Th1 cell proportion decreased. Among tear fluid, the vast majority of pro-inflammatory cytokines (especially Th2 and Th17 cytokines) in perennial allergies and MMP-9 together with IgA in seasonal allergies were increased. In contrast, TGF-β2 was decreased in both forms of conjunctivitis. Finally, fungal (Malassezia species) and bacterial (Kocuria and Propionobacterium acnes species) colonization were observed in the perennial allergic conjunctivitis group. These results provide the basis for the development of a disease profile for perennial allergic conjunctivitis and open the door to new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.

Age-dependent frequency of unconventional T cells in a healthy adult Caucasian population: a combinational study of invariant natural killer T cells, γδ T cells, and mucosa-associated invariant T cells

Unconventional T cells show distinct and unique features during antigen recognition as well as other immune responses. Their decrease in frequency is associated with various autoimmune disorders, allergy, inflammation, and cancer. The landscape frequency of the unconventional T cells altogether (iNKT, γδ T, and MAIT) is largely unestablished leading to various challenges affecting diagnosis and research in this field. In this study, we have established the age group–wise frequency of iNKT, γδ T, and MAIT cells altogether on a total of 203 healthy adult samples of the Caucasian population. The results revealed that iNKT cells were 0.095%, γδ T cells were 2.175%, and MAIT cells were 2.99% of the total T cell population. γδ and MAIT cell frequency is higher in younger age groups than elderly; however, there is no statistically significant difference in the frequency of iNKT cells. Furthermore, γδ and MAIT cells were negatively correlating with age, supporting immunosenescence, unlike iNKT cells. Our finding could be used for further age-wise investigation of various pathological conditions such as cancer and their prognosis, autoimmune diseases and their pathogenicity.

Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cell Response to Acute Exercise and Exercise Training in Older Obese Women

(1) Background: Obesity is a major global public health concern as it is associated with many of the leading causes of preventable deaths. Exercise reduces obesity-induced inflammation; however, it is unknown how exercise training may impact mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in overweight/obese (OW) post-menopausal women. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate (i) circulating MAIT-cells at rest in OW vs. Lean women, (ii) the response of MAIT-cells to a single bout of combined aerobic and resistance exercise, and (iii) the effects of 12 weeks of exercise training (EX) or educational program (ED) on the MAIT-cell response in OW. (2) Methods: OW completed an acute exercise session or sitting control, underwent 12 weeks of exercise training or received educational materials, and then repeated the exercise session/sitting control. Lean post-menopausal women provided a baseline comparison. (3) Results: OW had lower circulating MAIT-cells at rest than Lean prior to exercise training; however, after training EX displayed improved MAIT-cell frequency. Additionally, prior to training EX did not exhibit MAIT-cell mobilization/egress, however, both improved after training. (4) Conclusions: Reduced MAIT-cell frequency and ability to mobilize/egress were potentially partially rescued in EX after 12 weeks of exercise training; however, further research is needed to elucidate age or obesity-induced attenuations in MAIT-cells.

MAIT Cells Balance the Requirements for Immune Tolerance and Anti-Microbial Defense During Pregnancy

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an innate-like T cell subset with proinflammatory and cytotoxic effector functions. During pregnancy, modulation of the maternal immune system, both at the fetal-maternal interface and systemically, is crucial for a successful outcome and manifests through controlled enhancement of innate and dampening of adaptive responses. Still, immune defenses need to efficiently protect both the mother and the fetus from infection. So far, it is unknown whether MAIT cells are subjected to immunomodulation during pregnancy, and characterization of decidual MAIT cells as well as their functional responses during pregnancy are mainly lacking. We here characterized the presence and phenotype of Vα7.2⁺CD161⁺ MAIT cells in blood and decidua (the uterine endometrium during pregnancy) from women pregnant in the 1^st trimester, i.e., the time point when local immune tolerance develops. We also assessed the phenotype and functional responses of MAIT cells in blood of women pregnant in the 3^rd trimester, i.e., when systemic immunomodulation is most pronounced. Multi-color flow cytometry panels included markers for MAIT subsets, and markers of activation (CD69, HLA-DR, Granzyme B) and immunoregulation (PD-1, CTLA-4). MAIT cells were numerically decreased at the fetal-maternal interface and showed, similar to other T cells in the decidua, increased expression of immune checkpoint markers compared with MAIT cells in blood. During the 3^rd trimester, circulating MAIT cells showed a higher expression of CD69 and CD56, and their functional responses to inflammatory (activating anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies, and IL-12 and IL-18) and microbial stimuli (Escherichia coli, group B streptococci and influenza A virus) were generally increased compared with MAIT cells from non-pregnant women, indicating enhanced antimicrobial defenses during pregnancy. Taken together, our findings indicate dual roles for MAIT cells during pregnancy, with an evidently well-adapted ability to balance the requirements of immune tolerance in parallel with maintained antimicrobial defenses. Since MAIT cells are easily activated, they need to be strictly regulated during pregnancy, and failure to do so could contribute to pregnancy complications.

New Insights into Asthma Inflammation: Focus on iNKT, MAIT, and γδT Cells

Asthma is a chronic immunological disease affecting all age groups, but often starting in childhood. Although it has long been ascribed to a single pathology, recent studies have highlighted its heterogeneity due to the potential involvement of various pathogenic mechanisms. Here, we present our current understanding of the role of innate-like T (ILT) cells in asthma pathogenesis. These cells constitute a specific family mainly comprising γδT, invariant natural killer (iNKT) and mucosal-associated invariant (MAIT) T cells. They all share the ability to massively secrete a wide range of cytokines in a T-cell receptor (TCR)-dependent or -independent manner. ILT cells are prevalent in mucosal tissues, including airways, where their innate and adaptive immune functions consist primarily in protecting tissue integrity. However, ILT cells may also have detrimental effects leading to asthma symptoms. The immune mechanisms through which this pathogenic effect occurs will be discussed in this overview.

Persistent deficiency of mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells during alcohol-related liver disease

BACKGROUND

Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of chronic liver diseases. Inflammatory response is a basic pathological feature of ALD. Mucosal-associated invariant T(MAIT) cells are a novel population of innate immune cells, which may be depleted in various inflammatory diseases. However, the changes of MAIT cell in ALD remains unclear.

RESULTS

In this study, the levels of MAIT cell were significantly decreased in patients with alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic cirrhosis, and mixed cirrhosis (alcoholic + viral). Furthermore, the reduction of circulating MAIT cells was correlated with liver function in patients with cirrhosis. Functional changes among circulating MAIT cells in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, including increased production of IL-17A and perforin, and reduced production of TNF-α. Plasma cytokine and chemokine levels were quantified using multiple immunoassays and ELISA. Serum levels of chemokine IL-8 were correlated with MAIT cell frequency in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Moreover, no differences were observed in the expression of CCR6, CXCR6, and PD-1 in circulating MAIT cells of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. The MAIT cells in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis were prone to apoptosis, which was promoted by IL-12, IL-18, and IL-8.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate persistent MAIT cell loss during alcohol-related liver disease and suggest that MAIT cells can be promising indicator and therapeutic targets in ALD.

Incorporating mucosal-associated invariant T cells into the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells have been described in liver and non-liver diseases, and they have been ascribed antimicrobial, immune regulatory, protective, and pathogenic roles. The goals of this review are to describe their biological properties, indicate their involvement in chronic liver disease, and encourage investigations that clarify their actions and therapeutic implications. English abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms, and bibliographies were developed. MAIT cells are activated by restricted non-peptides of limited diversity and by multiple inflammatory cytokines. Diverse pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and immune regulatory cytokines are released; infected cells are eliminated; and memory cells emerge. Circulating MAIT cells are hyper-activated, immune exhausted, dysfunctional, and depleted in chronic liver disease. This phenotype lacks disease-specificity, and it does not predict the biological effects. MAIT cells have presumed protective actions in chronic viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and decompensated cirrhosis. They have pathogenic and pro-fibrotic actions in autoimmune hepatitis and mixed actions in primary biliary cholangitis. Local factors in the hepatic microenvironment (cytokines, bile acids, gut-derived bacterial antigens, and metabolic by-products) may modulate their response in individual diseases. Investigational manipulations of function are warranted to establish an association with disease severity and outcome. In conclusion, MAIT cells constitute a disease-nonspecific, immune response to chronic liver inflammation and infection. Their pathological role has been deduced from their deficiencies during active liver disease, and future investigations must clarify this role, link it to outcome, and explore therapeutic interventions.

Exercise training partially rescues impaired mucosal associated invariant t-cell mobilization in breast cancer survivors compared to healthy older women

Exercise may attenuate immunosenescence with aging that appears to be accelerated following breast cancer treatment, although limited data on specific cell types exists and acute and chronic exercise have been investigated independently in older adults.

PURPOSE

To determine the mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cell response to acute exercise before (PRE) and after (POST) 16 weeks of exercise training in breast cancer survivors (BCS) and healthy older women (CON).

METHODS

Age-matched BCS and CON performed 45 min of intermittent cycling at 60% peak power output wattage. Blood samples were obtained at rest, immediately (0 h) and 1 h after exercise to determine MAIT cell counts, frequency, and intracellular cytokine expression.

RESULTS

At PRE, MAIT cell counts were greater in CON (137%) than BCS at 0 h (46%, p < 0.001), with increased MAIT cell frequency in CON but not BCS. TNFα⁺ and IFNγ⁺ MAIT cell counts increased at 0 h by ~120% in CON (p < 0.001), while BCS counts and frequencies were unchanged. Similar deficits were observed in CD3⁺ and CD3⁺ CD8⁺ cells. At POST, exercise-induced mobilization and egress of MAIT cell counts and frequency showed trends towards improvement in BCS that approached levels in CON. Independent of group, TNFα frequency trended to improve (p = 0.053).

CONCLUSIONS

MAIT mobilization in older BCS following acute exercise was attenuated; however, exercise training may partially rescue these initial deficits, including greater sensitivity to mitogenic stimulation. Using acute exercise before and after interventions provides a unique approach to identify age- and cancer-related immuno-dysfunction that is less apparent at rest.

Mucosal-associated invariant T cell responses differ by sex in COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Sexual dimorphisms in immune responses contribute to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes, but the mechanisms governing this disparity remain incompletely understood.

METHODS

We carried out sex-balanced sampling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from hospitalized and non-hospitalized individuals with confirmed COVID-19, uninfected close contacts, and healthy control individuals for 36-color flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing.

FINDINGS

Our results revealed a pronounced reduction of circulating mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in infected females. Integration of published COVID-19 airway tissue datasets suggests that this reduction represented a major wave of MAIT cell extravasation during early infection in females. Moreover, MAIT cells from females possessed an immunologically active gene signature, whereas cells from males were pro-apoptotic.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings uncover a female-specific protective MAIT cell profile, potentially shedding light on reduced COVID-19 susceptibility in females.

FUNDING

This work was supported by NIH/NIAID (U01AI066569 and UM1AI104681), the Defense Advanced Projects Agency (DARPA; N66001-09-C-2082 and HR0011-17-2-0069), the Veterans Affairs Health System, and Virology Quality Assurance (VQA; 75N93019C00015). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official view of the National Institutes of Health. COVID-19 samples were processed under Biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) with aerosol management enhancement or BSL-3 in the Duke Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, which received partial support for construction from NIH/NIAID (UC6AI058607).

Title of article: Mucosal-associated invariant T cells in lung diseases

The lungs are directly connected to the external environment, which makes them more vulnerable to infection and injury. They are protected by the respiratory epithelium and immune cells to maintain a dynamic balance. Both innate and adaptive immune cells are involved in the pathogenesis of lung diseases. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a subset of unconventional T cells, which have attracted increasing attention in recent years. Although MAIT cells account for a small part of the total immune cells in the lungs, evidence suggests that these cells are activated by T cell receptors and/or cytokine receptors and mediate immune response. They play an important role in immunosurveillance and immunity against microbial infection, and recent studies have shown that subsets of MAIT cells play a role in promoting pulmonary inflammation. Emerging data indicate that MAIT cells are involved in the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 and possible immunopathogenesis in COVID-19. Here, we introduce MAIT cell biology to clarify their role in the immune response. Then we review MAIT cells in human and murine lung diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer, and discuss their possible protective and pathological effects. MAIT cells represent an attractive marker and potential therapeutic target for disease progression, thus providing new strategies for the treatment of lung diseases.

Frequencies of CD8 and DN MAIT Cells Among Children Diagnosed With Type 1 Diabetes Are Similar to Age-Matched Controls

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells have been implicated in various forms of autoimmunity, including type 1 diabetes (T1D). Here, we tested the hypothesis that CD8 and double negative (DN) MAIT cell frequencies were altered among diagnosed T1D subjects compared to controls. To do this, we analyzed cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from age-matched T1D and control children using flow cytometry. We observed that CD8 and DN MAIT cell frequencies were similarly abundant between the two groups. We tested for associations between MAIT cell frequency and T1D-associated parameters, which could reveal a pathogenic role for MAIT cells in the absence of changes in frequency. We found no significant associations between CD8 and DN MAIT cell frequency and levels of islet cell autoantibodies (ICA), glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) autoantibodies, zinc transporter 8 (ZNT8) autoantibodies, and insulinoma antigen 2 (IA-2) autoantibodies. Furthermore, CD8 and DN MAIT cell frequencies were not significantly associated with time since diagnosis, c-peptide levels, HbA1c, and BMI. As we have examined this cohort for multiple soluble factors previously, we tested for associations between relevant factors and MAIT cell frequency. These could help to explain the broad range of MAIT frequencies we observed and/or indicate disease-associated processes. Although we found nothing disease-specific, we observed that levels of IL-7, IL-18, 25 (OH) vitamin D, and the ratio of vitamin D binding protein to 25 (OH) vitamin D were all associated with MAIT cell frequency. Finally, previous cytomegalovirus infection was associated with reduced CD8 and DN MAIT cells. From this evaluation, we found no connections between CD8 and DN MAIT cells and children with T1D. However, we did observe several intrinsic and extrinsic factors that could influence peripheral MAIT cell abundance among all children. These factors may be worth consideration in future experimental design.

Decrease of peripheral blood mucosal-associated invariant T cells and impaired serum Granzyme-B production in patients with gastric cancer

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an invariant T cell subset, which have been reported to play an antimicrobial role in infectious diseases. However, little is known about it in malignant diseases and tumors, especially in gastric cancer (GC). So in this study, we aim to examine the frequency, phenotype, partial functional capacity and clinical relevance of this cells from GC patients’ peripheral blood by flow cytometry. It was shown that the frequency of peripheral blood MAIT cells was negatively correlated with their increasing age in healthy adults. Importantly, comparing to the healthy controls (HC), the frequency and the absolute number of MAIT cells from GC patients’ peripheral blood with or without chemotherapy were both significantly lower than those. For the phenotype, the proportion of CD4⁻MAIT cell subset in GC patients without chemotherapy was lower than in HC, but higher than in GC patients with chemotherapy. Whereas, the proportion of CD4⁻CD8⁺MAIT cell subset in GC patients without chemotherapy was significantly lower than that in HC. Finally, the level of Granzyme-B (GrB), a molecule associated with MAIT cells was markedly lower in GC patients. But the correlation between the serum levels of GC-associated tumor antigens and the percentages of MAIT cells in GC patients was not observed. In conclusion, our study shows the decreased frequency, changed phenotypes and partial potentially impaired function of MAIT cells in GC patients, suggesting a possible MAIT cell-based immunological surveillance of GC.

Sex discrepancy in the reduction of mucosal-associated invariant T cells caused by obesity

Introduction

Gut microbiota has been reported to contribute to obesity and the pathology of obesity‐related diseases but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a unique subpopulation of T cells characterized by the expression of a semi‐invariant T cell receptor (TCR) α chain (Vα19 in mice; Vα7.2 in humans). The expansion and maturation of MAIT cells require the gut microbiota and antigen‐presenting molecule MR1, suggesting that MAIT cells may play a unique role in bridging gut microbiota, obesity, and obesity‐associated inflammation.

Methods

The levels of human MAIT cells from obese patients, as well as mouse MAIT cells from obese mouse models, were determined by flow cytometry. By comparing to controls, we analyzed the change of MAIT cells in obese subjects.

Results

We found obese patients had fewer circulating MAIT cells than healthy‐weight donors and the difference was more distinct in male patients. Consistently, male mice (but not female mice) have shown reduced MAIT cells in the liver and adipose tissue after a 10‐week Western diet compared to mice on a control diet. We also explored the possibility of utilizing high‐throughput technology (i.e., quantitative polymerase chain reaction [qPCR]), other than flow cytometry, to determine the expression levels of the invariant TCR of human MAIT cells. But a minimal correlation (R² = 0.23, p = .11) was observed between qPCR and flow cytometry data.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that there is a sex discrepancy in the impact of obesity on MAIT cells: MAIT cells in male (but not female) humans and male mice are reduced by obesity.

Senescence in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Between Aging and Exposure

To date, chronic pulmonary pathologies represent the third leading cause of death in the elderly population. Evidence-based projections suggest that >65 (years old) individuals will account for approximately a quarter of the world population before the turn of the century. Genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication, are described as the nine “hallmarks” that govern cellular fitness. Any deviation from the normal pattern initiates a complex cascade of events culminating to a disease state. This blueprint, originally employed to describe aberrant changes in cancer cells, can be also used to describe aging and fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is the result of a progressive decline in injury resolution processes stemming from endogenous (physiological decline or somatic mutations) or exogenous stress. Environmental, dietary or occupational exposure accelerates the pathogenesis of a senescent phenotype based on (1) window of exposure; (2) dose, duration, recurrence; and (3) cells type being targeted. As the lung ages, the threshold to generate an irreversibly senescent phenotype is lowered. However, we do not have sufficient knowledge to make accurate predictions. In this review, we provide an assessment of the literature that interrogates lung epithelial, mesenchymal, and immune senescence at the intersection of aging, environmental exposure and pulmonary fibrosis.

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells mediate protective host responses in sepsis

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection and a leading cause of death. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells enriched in mucosal tissues that recognize bacterial ligands. We investigated MAIT cells during clinical and experimental sepsis, and their contribution to host responses. In experimental sepsis, MAIT-deficient mice had significantly increased mortality and bacterial load, and reduced tissue-specific cytokine responses. MAIT cells of WT mice expressed lower levels of IFN-γ and IL-17a during sepsis compared to sham surgery, changes not seen in non-MAIT T cells. MAIT cells of patients at sepsis presentation were significantly reduced in frequency compared to healthy donors, and were more activated, with decreased IFN-γ production, compared to both healthy donors and paired 90-day samples. Our data suggest that MAIT cells are highly activated and become dysfunctional during clinical sepsis, and contribute to tissue-specific cytokine responses that are protective against mortality during experimental sepsis.

Mucosal-associated invariant T-cells are severely reduced and exhausted in humans with chronic HBV infection

Chronic hepatitis B virus (CHBV) infection is a major cause of liver diseases. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are important for antiviral immunity in the liver, but the distinction between intrasinusoidal and peripheral MAIT cells in patients with CHBV infections remains unclear. PBMCs were obtained from patients with CHBV infections (n = 29) and age-matched controls (n = 46). Liver-associated mononuclear cells (LMCs) were collected from healthy donors (n = 29) and explanted livers (n = 19) from patients and used for phenotypic, functional and TCR diversity analyses. The percentages of both peripheral and intrasinusoidal MAIT cells were significantly reduced in the CHBV infection group compared to the control group. Peripheral MAIT cells from CHBV-infected patients expressed higher levels of HLA-DR, CD69, CD38 and PD-1 than those of controls. We also confirmed that peripheral MAIT cells in HBV patients had elevated expression T-cell exhaustion genes. Except for a difference in the level of PD-1, no differences were observed between the liver MAIT cells of the two groups. The production of IFN-α in peripheral MAIT cells of CHBV infection patients was lower than in control patients, but no such difference was observed in liver MAIT cells. Additionally, a distinct TCR signature was found in CHBV patients. Hence, we found distinct activities and functions in liver and peripheral MAIT cells of patients with CHBV infections.

Harnessing Unconventional T Cells for Immunotherapy of Tuberculosis

Even if the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) has been decreasing over the last years, the number of patients with TB is increasing worldwide. The emergence of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant TB is making control of TB more difficult. Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccine fails to prevent pulmonary TB in adults, and there is an urgent need for a vaccine that is also effective in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection. Therefore, TB control may benefit on novel therapeutic options beyond antimicrobial treatment. Host-directed immunotherapies could offer therapeutic strategies for patients with drug-resistant TB or with HIV and TB coinfection. In the last years, the use of donor lymphocytes after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has emerged as a new strategy in the cure of hematologic malignancies in order to induce graft-versus leukemia and graft-versus-infection effects. Moreover, adoptive therapy has proven to be effective in controlling cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus reactivation in immunocompromised patients with ex vivo expanded viral antigen-specific T cells. Unconventional T cells are a heterogeneous group of T lymphocytes with limited diversity. One of their characteristics is that antigen recognition is not restricted by the classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC). They include CD1 (cluster of differentiation 1)–restricted T cells, MHC-related protein-1–restricted mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, MHC class Ib–reactive T cells, and γδ T cells. Because these T cells are genotype-independent, they are also termed “donor unrestricted” T cells. The combined features of low donor diversity and the lack of genetic restriction make these cells suitable candidates for T cell–based immunotherapy of TB.

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells provide B-cell help in vaccinated and subsequently SIV-infected Rhesus Macaques

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells help combat opportunistic infections. Thus, MAIT cells are of interest in HIV/SIV vaccination and infection. We investigated MAIT cell dynamics and function in rhesus macaque blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) following mucosal adenovirus (Ad)-SIV recombinant priming, intramuscular SIV envelope boosting and infection following repeated low-dose intravaginal SIV exposures. Increased frequencies of blood MAIT cells over the course of vaccination were observed, which were maintained even 12-weeks post-SIV infection. BAL MAIT cells only increased after the first Ad immunization. Vaccination increased MAIT cell levels in blood and BAL expressing the antiviral cytokine IFN-γ and TNF-α and the proliferation marker Ki67. Upon T cell-specific α-CD3, α-CD28 stimulation, MAIT cells showed a greater capacity to secrete cytokines/chemokines associated with help for B cell activation, migration and regulation compared to CD3⁺MR1⁻ cells. Culture of MAIT cell supernatants with B cells led to greater tissue like memory B cell frequencies. MAIT cell frequencies in blood and BAL correlated with SIV-specific antibody levels in rectal secretions and with SIV-specific tissue resident memory B cells. Overall, SIV vaccination influenced MAIT cell frequency and functionality. The potential for MAIT cells to provide help to B cells was evident during both vaccination and infection.

Opsonization-Enhanced Antigen Presentation by MR1 Activates Rapid Polyfunctional MAIT Cell Responses Acting as an Effector Arm of Humoral Antibacterial Immunity

Mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like antimicrobial T cells recognizing a breadth of important pathogens via presentation of microbial riboflavin metabolite Ags by MHC class Ib-related (MR1) molecules. However, the interaction of human MAIT cells with adaptive immune responses and the role they may play in settings of vaccinology remain relatively little explored. In this study we investigated the interplay between MAIT cell-mediated antibacterial effector functions and the humoral immune response. IgG opsonization of the model microbe Escherichia coli with pooled human sera markedly enhanced the capacity of monocytic APC to stimulate MAIT cells. This effect included greater sensitivity of recognition and faster response kinetics, as well as a markedly higher polyfunctionality and magnitude of MAIT cell responses involving a range of effector functions. The boost of MAIT cell responses was dependent on strongly enhanced MR1-mediated Ag presentation via increased FcγR-mediated uptake and signaling primarily mediated by FcγRI. To investigate possible translation of this effect to a vaccine setting, sera from human subjects before and after vaccination with the 13-valent-conjugated Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine were assessed in a MAIT cell activation assay. Interestingly, vaccine-induced Abs enhanced Ag presentation to MAIT cells, resulting in more potent effector responses. These findings indicate that enhancement of Ag presentation by IgG opsonization allows innate-like MAIT cells to mount a faster, stronger, and qualitatively more complex response and to function as an effector arm of vaccine-induced humoral adaptive antibacterial immunity.

Human Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in Older Individuals Display Expanded TCRαβ Clonotypes with Potent Antimicrobial Responses

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are important for immune responses against microbial infections. Although known to undergo marked numerical changes with age in humans, our understanding of how MAIT cells are altered during different phases across the human life span is largely unknown. Although also abundant in the tissues, our study focuses on MAIT cell analyses in blood. Across the human life span, we show that naive-like MAIT cells in umbilical cord blood switch to a central/effector memory-like profile that is sustained into older age. Whereas low-grade levels of plasma cytokine/chemokine were apparent in older donors (>65 y old), surprisingly, they did not correlate with the ex vivo MAIT hyperinflammatory cytokine profile observed in older adults. Removal of MAIT cells from older individuals and an aged environment resulted in the reversal of the baseline effector molecule profile comparable with MAIT cells from younger adults. An upregulated basal inflammatory profile accounted for reduced Escherichia coli-specific responses in aged MAIT cells compared with their young adult counterparts when fold change in expression levels of GzmB, CD107a, IFN-γ, and TNF was examined. However, the magnitude of antimicrobial MR1-dependent activation remained as potent and polyfunctional as with younger adults. Paired TCRαβ analyses of MAIT cells revealed large clonal expansions in older adults and tissues that rivalled, remarkably, the TCRαβ repertoire diversity of virus-specific CD8⁺ T cells. These data suggest that MAIT cells in older individuals, although associated with large clonal TCRαβ expansions and increased baseline inflammatory potential, demonstrate plasticity and provide potent antimicrobial immunity.

Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells Redistribute to the Peritoneal Cavity During Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and Contribute to Peritoneal Inflammation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are depleted from blood in patients with advanced liver disease and show features of immune dysfunction. Because circulating MAIT cells differ from organ-resident MAIT cells, we aimed to investigate the frequency, phenotype, and function of peritoneal MAIT cells from patients with cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).

METHODS

MAIT cells in blood and ascitic fluid from patients with cirrhosis were characterized using flow cytometry. Healthy individuals and noncirrhotic patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis served as controls. MAIT cell migration was studied in transwell assays. Cytokine release in response to infected ascitic fluid and bacterial products was assessed in vitro.

RESULTS

Peritoneal CD3+ CD161hi Vα7.2+ T cells had an inflammatory, tissue retention phenotype, expressing the alpha E integrin, the chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR3, and the activation marker CD69 at higher levels than their circulating equivalents. Seventy-seven percent bound to MR1 tetramers loaded with the pyrimidine intermediate 5-(2-oxopropylideneamino)-6-d-ribitylaminouracil. The ratio of peritoneal to blood MAIT cell frequency increased from 1.3 in the absence of SBP to 2.6 at diagnosis and decreased by day 3. MAIT cells migrated toward infected ascitic fluid containing CCL5 and CCL20 and released cytokines in an MR1-restricted fashion. Whereas the depleted circulating MAIT cell pool displayed features of immune exhaustion, peritoneal MAIT cells remained competent producers of inflammatory cytokines in response to bacterial products. Peritoneal MAIT activation correlated with systemic inflammation, suggesting a possible link between peritoneal and systemic immunity.

CONCLUSIONS

Peritoneal MAIT cells phenotypically and functionally differ from circulating MAIT cells in decompensated cirrhosis and redistribute to the peritoneum during SBP.

MAIT Cells in Health and Disease

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a newly described subset of T cells that are found in the blood and are enriched in many tissues, particularly in the liver. MAIT cells express a semi-invariant T cell receptor restricted by the MHC class I-related (MR1) molecule. MAIT cells are activated in a MR1-dependent manner in response to microbial-derived riboflavin metabolites which leads to rapid effector functions, but they can also be activated in a MR1-independent manner by cytokines and viruses. The use of mice models and MR1 tetramers, among other recent methodological advances, have provided more insight into the development, mode of activation, characterization in different diseases and tissues of MAIT cells. In this chapter, we provide an overview of MAIT cells and yet remaining questions about their potential therapeutic role.

Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cell in liver diseases

Mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells) are a new population of innate immune cells, which are abundant in the liver and play complex roles in various liver diseases. In this review, we summarize MAIT cells in the liver diseases in recent studies, figure out the role of MAIT cells in various liver disease, including Alcoholic liver disease, Non-alcoholic liver disease, Autoimmune liver diseases, Viral hepatitis and Liver Cancer. Briefly, MAIT cells are involved in anti-bacteria responses in the alcoholic liver diseases. Besides, the activated MAIT cells promote the liver inflammation by secreting inflammatory cytokines and produce regulatory cytokines, which induces anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization. MAIT cells participate in the liver fibrosis via enhancing hepatic stellate cell activation. In viral hepatitis, MAIT cells exhibit a flawed and exhausted phenotype, which results in little effect on controlling the virus and bacteria. In liver cancer, MAIT cells indicate the disease progression and the outcome of therapy. In summary, MAIT cells are attractive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for liver disease.

MAIT Cells Are Major Contributors to the Cytokine Response in Group A Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening, systemic reaction to invasive infection caused by group A streptococci (GAS). GAS superantigens are key mediators of STSS through their potent activation of T cells leading to a cytokine storm and consequently vascular leakage, shock, and multiorgan failure. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells recognize MR1-presented antigens derived from microbial riboflavin biosynthesis and mount protective innate-like immune responses against the microbes producing such metabolites. GAS lack de novo riboflavin synthesis, and the role of MAIT cells in STSS has therefore so far been overlooked. Here we have conducted a comprehensive analysis of human MAIT cell responses to GAS, aiming to understand the contribution of MAIT cells to the pathogenesis of STSS. We show that MAIT cells are strongly activated and represent the major T cell source of IFNγ and TNF in the early stages of response to GAS. MAIT cell activation is biphasic with a rapid TCR Vβ2-specific, TNF-dominated response to superantigens and a later IL-12- and IL-18-dependent, IFNγ-dominated response to both bacterial cells and secreted factors. Depletion of MAIT cells from PBMC resulted in decreased total production of IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-2, and TNFβ. Peripheral blood MAIT cells in patients with STSS expressed elevated levels of the activation markers CD69, CD25, CD38, and HLA-DR during the acute compared with the convalescent phase. Our data demonstrate that MAIT cells are major contributors to the early cytokine response to GAS, and are therefore likely to contribute to the pathological cytokine storm underlying STSS.

Inflammaging phenotype in rhesus macaques is associated with a decline in epithelial barrier-protective functions and increased pro-inflammatory function in CD161-expressing cells

The development of chronic inflammation, called inflammaging, contributes to the pathogenesis of age-related diseases. Although it is known that both B and T lymphocyte compartments of the adaptive immune system deteriorate with advancing age, the impact of aging on immune functions of Th17-type CD161-expressing innate immune cells and their role in inflammaging remain incompletely understood. Here, utilizing the nonhuman primate model of rhesus macaques, we report that a dysregulated Th17-type effector function of CD161+ immune cells is associated with leaky gut and inflammatory phenotype of aging. Higher plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, GM-CSF, IL-12, and Eotaxin correlated with elevated markers of gut permeability including LPS-binding protein (LBP), intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), and sCD14 in aging macaques. Further, older macaques displayed significantly lower frequencies of circulating Th17-type immune cells comprised of CD161+ T cell subsets, NK cells, and innate lymphoid cells. Corresponding with the increased markers of gut permeability, production of the type-17 cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 was impaired in CD161+ T cell subsets and NK cells, along with a skewing towards IFN-γ cytokine production. These findings suggest that reduced frequencies of CD161+ immune cells along with a specific loss in Th17-type effector functions contribute to impaired gut barrier integrity and systemic inflammation in aging macaques. Modulating type-17 immune cell functions via cytokine therapy or dietary interventions towards reducing chronic inflammation in inflammaging individuals may have the potential to prevent or delay age-related chronic diseases and improve immune responses in the elderly population.

Age-associated changes in the impact of sex steroids on influenza vaccine responses in males and females

Vaccine-induced immunity declines with age, which may differ between males and females. Using human sera collected before and 21 days after receipt of the monovalent A/Cal/09 H1N1 vaccine, we evaluated cytokine and antibody responses in adult (18-45 years) and aged (65+ years) individuals. After vaccination, adult females developed greater IL-6 and antibody responses than either adult males or aged females, with female antibody responses being positively associated with concentrations of estradiol. To test whether protection against influenza virus challenge was greater in females than males, we primed and boosted adult (8-10 weeks) and aged (68-70 weeks) male and female mice with an inactivated A/Cal/09 H1N1 vaccine or no vaccine and challenged with a drift variant A/Cal/09 virus. As compared with unvaccinated mice, vaccinated adult, but not aged, mice experienced less morbidity and better pulmonary viral clearance following challenge, regardless of sex. Vaccinated adult female mice developed antibody responses that were of greater quantity and quality and more protective than vaccinated adult males. Sex differences in vaccine efficacy diminished with age in mice. To determine the role of sex steroids in vaccine-induced immune responses, adult mice were gonadectomized and hormones (estradiol in females and testosterone in males) were replaced in subsets of animals before vaccination. Vaccine-induced antibody responses were increased in females by estradiol and decreased in males by testosterone. The benefit of elevated estradiol on antibody responses and protection against influenza in females is diminished with age in both mice and humans.

Mucosal-associated invariant T cells: new players in CF lung disease?

The past decade has witnessed a surge in research centered around exploring the role of the enigmatic innate immune-like lymphocyte MAIT cell in human disease. Recent evidence has led to the elucidation of its role as a potent defender at mucosal surfaces including lungs due to its capacity to mount a formidable immediate response to bacterial pathogens. MAIT cells have a unique attribute of recognizing microbial ligands in conjunction with non-classical MHC-related protein MR1. Recent studies have demonstrated their contribution in the pathogenesis of chronic pulmonary disorders including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Several cellular players including innate immune cells are active contributors in the immune imbalance present in cystic fibrosis(CF) lung. This immune dysregulation serves as a central pivot in disease pathogenesis, responsible for causing immense structural damage in the CF lung. The present review focuses on understanding the role of MAIT cells in CF lung disease. Future studies directed at understanding the possible relationship between MAIT cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in CF lung disease could unravel a holistic picture where a combination of antimicrobial effects of MAIT cells and anti-inflammatory effects of Tregs could be exploited in synergy to alleviate the rapid deterioration of lung function in CF lung disease due to the underlying complex interplay between persistent infection and inflammation.

Recruitment of MAIT Cells to the Intervillous Space of the Placenta by Placenta-Derived Chemokines

The intervillous space of the placenta is a part of the fetal-maternal interface, where maternal blood enters to provide nutrients and gas exchange. Little is known about the maternal immune cells at this site, which are in direct contact with fetal tissues. We have characterized the T cell composition and chemokine profile in paired intervillous and peripheral blood samples from healthy mothers giving birth following term pregnancies. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and effector memory (EM) T cells were enriched in the intervillous blood compared to peripheral blood, suggesting that MAIT cells and other EM T cells home to the placenta during pregnancy. Furthermore, pregnant women had lower proportions of peripheral blood MAIT cells compared to non-pregnant women. The levels of several chemokines were significantly higher in intervillous compared to peripheral blood, including macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), CXCL10, and CCL25, whereas CCL21, CCL27 and CXCL12 were lower. Migration assays showed that MAIT cells and EM T cells migrated toward conditioned medium from placental explants. A multivariate factor analysis indicated that high levels of MIF and CCL25 were associated with high proportions of MAIT cells in intervillous blood. Blocking of MIF or a combination of MIF, CCL25, and CCL20 in migration assays inhibited MAIT cell migration toward placenta conditioned medium. Finally, MAIT cells showed migratory capacities toward recombinant MIF. Together, these findings indicate that term placental tissues attract MAIT cells, and that this effect is at least partly mediated by MIF.

Circulating Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in a Large Cohort of Healthy Chinese Individuals From Newborn to Elderly

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, which are enriched in human blood and express a semi-invariant TCR chain, play important roles in conditions such as infectious diseases and cancer. The influence of age on levels and functional characteristics of circulating MAIT cells have not been fully addressed. Here we have collected blood samples from a large cohort of healthy Chinese individuals from newborn (cord blood) to the elderly and assessed the levels of circulating MAIT cells as well as their phenotype, activation and apoptosis status, and cytokine expression profiles after in vitro stimulation. We found that the frequencies of circulating MAIT cells gradually increased in blood from newborns as they progressed into adulthood (20–40 years old) but then decreased during further progression toward old age (>60 years old). The lowered numbers of circulating MAIT cells in the elderly was correlated with a gradual increase of apoptosis. A majority of circulating MAIT cells expressed the chemokine receptors CCR5 and CCR6, and most also expressed CD8 and CD45RO. Few expressed CD69 in cord blood, but the frequency increased with age. Upon in vitro activation with PMA plus ionomycin or IL12 plus IL18, fewer MAIT cells isolated from the young adult group expressed IFN-γ, IL17A and Granzyme B then cells from other age groups while the proportion of cells that expressed TNF-α was similar. Taken together, our data provide information for guiding the assessment of normal levels and phenotypes of MAIT cells at different ages in healthy individuals and patients.

MAIT cells contribute to protection against lethal influenza infection in vivo

Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are evolutionarily-conserved, innate-like lymphocytes which are abundant in human lungs and can contribute to protection against pulmonary bacterial infection. MAIT cells are also activated during human viral infections, yet it remains unknown whether MAIT cells play a significant protective or even detrimental role during viral infections in vivo. Using murine experimental challenge with two strains of influenza A virus, we show that MAIT cells accumulate and are activated early in infection, with upregulation of CD25, CD69 and Granzyme B, peaking at 5 days post-infection. Activation is modulated via cytokines independently of MR1. MAIT cell-deficient MR1-/- mice show enhanced weight loss and mortality to severe (H1N1) influenza. This is ameliorated by prior adoptive transfer of pulmonary MAIT cells in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient RAG2-/-γC-/- mice. Thus, MAIT cells contribute to protection during respiratory viral infections, and constitute a potential target for therapeutic manipulation.

Role of CD1d- and MR1-Restricted T Cells in Asthma

Innate T lymphocytes are a group of relatively recently identified T cells that are not involved in either innate or adaptive immunity. Unlike conventional T cells, most innate T lymphocytes express invariant T cell receptor to recognize exogenous non-peptide antigens presented by a family of non-polymorphic MHC class I-related molecules, such as CD1d and MHC-related molecule-1 (MR1). Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells quickly respond to the antigens bound to CD1d and MR1 molecules, respectively, and immediately exert effector functions by secreting various cytokines and granules. This review describes the detrimental and beneficial roles of iNKT cells in animal models of asthma and in human asthmatic patients and also addresses the mechanisms through which iNKT cells are activated by environmental or extracellular factors. We also discuss the potential for therapeutic interventions of asthma by specific antibodies against NKT cells. Furthermore, we summarize the recent reports on the role of MAIT cells in allergic diseases.

Invariant Natural Killer T and Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in Asthmatic Patients

Recent studies have highlighted the heterogeneity of asthma. Distinct patient phenotypes (symptoms, age at onset, atopy, and lung function) may result from different pathogenic mechanisms, including airway inflammation, remodeling, and immune and metabolic pathways in a specific microbial environment. These features, which define the asthma endotype, may have significant consequences for the development and progression of the disease. Asthma is generally associated with Th2 cells, which produce a panel of cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) that act in synergy to drive lung inflammatory responses, mucus secretion, IgE production, and fibrosis, causing the characteristic symptoms of asthma. In addition to conventional CD4⁺ T lymphocytes, other T-cell types can produce Th2 or Th17 cytokines rapidly. Promising candidate cells for studies of the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of asthma are unconventional T lymphocytes, such as invariant natural killer T (iNKT) and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. This review provides an overview of our current understanding of the impact of iNKT and MAIT cells on asthmatic inflammation, focusing particularly on pediatric asthma.

The Confluence of Sex Hormones and Aging on Immunity

The immune systems of post-pubescent males and females differ significantly with profound consequences to health and disease. In many cases, sex-specific differences in the immune responses of young adults are also apparent in aged men and women. Moreover, as in young adults, aged women develop several late-adult onset autoimmune conditions more frequently than do men, while aged men continue to develop many cancers to a greater extent than aged women. However, sex differences in the immune systems of aged individuals have not been extensively investigated and data addressing the effectiveness of vaccinations and immunotherapies in aged men and women are scarce. In this review, we evaluate age- and sex hormone-related changes to innate and adaptive immunity, with consideration about how this impacts age- and sex-associated changes in the incidence and pathogenesis of autoimmunity and cancer as well as the efficacy of vaccination and cancer immunotherapy. We conclude that future preclinical and clinical studies should consider age and sex to better understand the ways in which these characteristics intersect with immune function and the resulting consequences for autoimmunity, cancer, and therapeutic interventions.