Recognition and function of V alpha 14 NKT cells

A novel lymphocyte lineage, V alpha 14 NKT cells, has recently been identif ied and appears to be distinct from conventional alpha beta T cells. V alph a 14 NKT cells express a single invariant V alpha 14 antigen receptor that is essential for their development. They recognize a glycolipid antigen (al pha -galactasylceramide) or parasitic glycophosphatidylinositols (GPI) in a ssociation with a monomorphic class Ib, CD1d, and perform various functions such as Th1 and Th2 cytokine production as well as perform/granzyme B-medi ated cytotoxicity. Although the precise physiological function of Vor 14 NK T cells remains to be elucidated, emerging experimental evidence suggests t heir intriguing regulatory features in the immune system.