Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of innate-like T lymphocyte development. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Verykokakis, Mihalis; Kee, Barbara L
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in immunology. Volume 51(2018)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; Allergy -- Abstracts -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.01.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-7915

Abstract

Highlights: A minor subset of iNKT cells derives from DN cells, bypassing the DP stage. Conformational changes in iNKT TCR regulate iNKT cell fate. Adipose tissue resident NKT10 cells originate from the thymus. Global transcriptional and epigenetic profiles vary among iNKT cell subsets. Epigenetic regulators control chromatin accessibility near lineage-specific genes. Abstract : Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are a heterogeneous innate T cell population that recognizes lipid antigens. Despite the monospecific nature of their T cell receptor, iNKT cells differentiate into stable sublineages during thymic development, before foreign antigen encounter. How iNKT cell subsets acquire and maintain their functional programs is a central question in innate lymphocyte biology. Global transcriptional and epigenetic profiling of iNKT subsets has provided insights into the internal wiring of these subsets that defines their identity. Comparison of the iNKT transcriptional programs with those of other adaptive and innate lymphocyte lineages revealed common core regulatory circuits that may dictate effector functions. In this review, we summarize recent advances on the molecular mechanisms involved in iNKT cell development.