Mucosal-associated invariant T cells: Diplomatic front-runners in the fight against hepatitis B virus infection
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a unique subset of innate-like T cells that bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. MALT cells act like a `biliary firewall' protecting the epithelial lining of the liver against pathogenic intruders. MAIT1 and MAIT17 subsets respond rapidly to pathogenic presence both in the liver as well as in the peripheral circulation. In addition to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, MAIT cells also appear to serve as potential therapeutic targets in several other chronic ailments. Evidence indicates that MAIT cells have tissue repair functions also paving way for fibrotic changes during chronic HBV infection. Observations also suggest that HBV-hepatitis delta virus (HDV) co-infection disease progression is closely associated with loss of MAIT cells. Furthermore, reduction in the number of hepatic MAIT cells in patients with cirrhotic non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and HBV-associated primary liver cancer has also been reported. Given their concrete role against HBV disease progression, and has also become evident that the tumor microenvironment can cause functional impairment of MAIT cells. Here, we reviewed the protective and the pathological role of MAIT cells in chronic HBV infection and certain other related medical conditions based on the understanding that an optimal functioning of the MAIT cell arsenal is key to a ``host-friendly'' immune defense against HBV disease progression.
Keywords
MAIT cell, HBV, NAFLD, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Immunotherapy
Divisions
fac_med
Funders
Xiamen University Malaysia Research Funding (XMUMRF)[XMUMRF/2020-C5/ITCM/0003],Xiamen University Malaysia Research Funding (XMUMRF)[XMUMRF/2018-C2/ILAB/0001],Department of Science and Technology-Science and Engineering Research Board, Government of India[CRG/2019/006096],Swedish Research Council European Commission[AI52731],Swedish Physicians against AIDS Research Foundation,Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency,SIDA SARC,Vinnova,Linkoping University Hospital Research Fund,Swedish Society of Medicine,CALF
Publication Title
Critical Reviews in Immunology
Volume
41
Issue
5
Publisher
Begell House