A new vaccinal vector targeting the MAIT Cells

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells were first described by Tilloy et al. In 1999. The interest in this unique subset of innate-like T-cells has increased rapidly over the last 5 years as novel findings have revealed their unique anti-bacterial function. MAIT cells represent the most abundant innate-like T-cell population within human beings, comprising up to ~5% of the total T-cell population. They are characterized by the expression of a semi-invariant TCR (Vα7.2-Jα33/12/20) that recognizes the MHC-like protein 1 (MR1), which presents a bacterial-derived ligand. Furthermore, MAIT cells have been associated with a number of disease settings, including bacterial infections, viral infections, and pro-inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis and psoriasis. Thus, this large T lymphocyte population is likely to have an important role in human health.