Chancellery Research - Research Publications

Permanent URI for this collection

http://hdl.handle.net/11343/377

Filters

2021 2
Reset filters

Settings
Statistics
Citations
Start date: 2021 × End date: 2021 × Type: Journal Article × Author: McCluskey, James × Author: Chen, Zhenjun ×

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Item
    No Preview Available
    Mouse models illuminate MAIT cell biology
    Wang, H ; Chen, Z ; McCluskey, J ; Corbett, AJ (PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, 2021-02)
    The field of mucosal-associated invariant T cell (MAIT) biology has grown rapidly since the identification of the vitamin-B-based antigens recognised by these specialised T cells. Over the past few years, our understanding of the complexities of MAIT cell function has developed, as they find their place among the other better known cells of the immune system. Key questions relate to understanding when MAIT cells help, when they hinder or cause harm, and when they do not matter. Exploiting mouse strains that differ in MAIT cell numbers, leveraged by specific detection of MAIT cells using MR1-tetramers, it has now been shown that MAIT cells play important immune roles in settings that include bacterial and viral infections, autoimmune diseases and cancer. We have also learnt much about their development, modes of activation and response to commensal microbiota, and begun to try ways to manipulate MAIT cells to improve disease outcomes. Here we review recent studies that have assessed MAIT cells in models of disease.
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Francisella tularensis induces Th1 like MAIT cells conferring protection against systemic and local infection
    Zhao, Z ; Wang, H ; Shi, M ; Zhu, T ; Pediongco, T ; Lim, XY ; Meehan, BS ; Nelson, AG ; Fairlie, DP ; Mak, JYW ; Eckle, SBG ; Moreira, MDL ; Tumpach, C ; Bramhall, M ; Williams, CG ; Lee, HJ ; Haque, A ; Evrard, M ; Rossjohn, J ; McCluskey, J ; Corbett, AJ ; Chen, Z (NATURE PORTFOLIO, 2021-07-16)
    Mucosal-associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells are recognized for their antibacterial functions. The protective capacity of MAIT cells has been demonstrated in murine models of local infection, including in the lungs. Here we show that during systemic infection of mice with Francisella tularensis live vaccine strain results in evident MAIT cell expansion in the liver, lungs, kidney and spleen and peripheral blood. The responding MAIT cells manifest a polarised Th1-like MAIT-1 phenotype, including transcription factor and cytokine profile, and confer a critical role in controlling bacterial load. Post resolution of the primary infection, the expanded MAIT cells form stable memory-like MAIT-1 cell populations, suggesting a basis for vaccination. Indeed, a systemic vaccination with synthetic antigen 5-(2-oxopropylideneamino)-6-D-ribitylaminouracil in combination with CpG adjuvant similarly boosts MAIT cells, and results in enhanced protection against both systemic and local infections with different bacteria. Our study highlights the potential utility of targeting MAIT cells to combat a range of bacterial pathogens.