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Research progress on natural killer T cells in host defence against intracellular bacterial infectious diseases |
KONG Xiao-Ming; LIU Yong |
Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China |
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Abstract Natural killer T cells (NKT cells) are a unique subset of the mature T lymphocytes, and can recognize glycolipids presented by CDld molecules expressed on antigen-presenting cells through cell recognition pathway. After activation, NKT cells can secrete large mounts of cytokines which involve in innate immune and acquired immune response. NKT cells can also act as direct effector cells via cytolysis or granulysin. Studies have shown that NKT cells play an important role in anti-intracellular bacterial infection.
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Received: 10 June 2011
Published: 01 January 2011
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Corresponding Authors:
LIU Yong
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