Genetic control of NKT cell number

Jordan, Margaret A., Fletcher, Julie, and Baxter, Alan G. (2004) Genetic control of NKT cell number. Immunology and Cell Biology, 82 (3). pp. 276-284.

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Abstract

NKT cells play a critical role in shaping the character and strength of a wide range of immune responses, including those against pathogens, tumours, allografts and autologous tissues. Because numbers of NKT cells affect clinical outcomes in a wide range of disease models, and this characteristic demonstrates allelic variation, the mapping of the locations and identification of the coding sequences of these genes has become a matter of significant importance. Here, we review the results to date that examine the effects of targeted deletion of a number of candidate genes, as well as the congenic and genetic linkage analyses that have attempted to localize allelic loci that affect NKT cell numbers. Although a number of candidate genes have been examined, there is no evidence that any of these contribute to variation in NKT cell numbers in natural populations. Two of the most important genetic regions controlling NKT cell numbers are Nkt1 on chromosome 1, which may contribute to lupus susceptibility, and Nkt2 on chromosome 2, which appears to contribute to diabetes susceptibility. Of great interest is a third locus on chromosome 18, identified in a novel congenic line, which can confer an absolute deficiency in this important immunoregulatory lymphocyte population.

Item ID: 6402
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1440-1711
Keywords: autoimmunity; diabetes; disease susceptability; lupus; NK cells; genes; linkage analysis
Date Deposited: 25 Jan 2010 00:13
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0604 Genetics > 060406 Genetic Immunology @ 100%
SEO Codes: 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences @ 100%
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