自然杀伤T细胞（NKT细胞）是一类与自然杀伤细胞具有共同表面标记的T细胞，可识别由CD1d呈递的糖脂类抗原。活化后的NKT细胞通过分泌多种细胞因子和趋化因子，增强树突细胞（DC）、T细胞、B细胞等多种免疫细胞的功能，在非特异与特异性免疫之间起桥梁作用。近年来研究发现，NKT细胞不仅在抗细菌感染中发挥重要作用，在抗病毒及抗寄生虫感染中也发挥一定作用。

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a population of T cells that share some characteristics with natural killer (NK) cells, which can recognize glycolipids presented by CD1d molecules expressed on antigen-presenting cells through cell recognition pathway. Activated NKT cells modulate the activity of other cells including B and T cells, NK cells, granulocytes, and dendritic cells through secreting a vast array of cytokines and chemokines. NKT cells also play an important role in linking innate and adaptive immune responses. Studies have shown that NKT cells not only play an important role in anti-bacteria, but also in anti-virus and anti-parasite infection.