The burgeoning role of MR1-restricted T-cells in infection, cancer and autoimmune disease

Curr Opin Immunol. 2021 Apr:69:10-17. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2020.12.002. Epub 2021 Jan 9.

Abstract

MR1 is a ubiquitously expressed, monomorphic antigen presenting molecule that has been largely preserved throughout mammalian evolution. The primary role of MR1 is to present conserved microbial metabolites to highly abundant mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. The role of MAIT cells and other MR1-restricted T cells (MR1T) has been recently extended to immunomodulation during cancer. MR1Ts have also been implicated in autoimmune disease. The highly conserved nature of MR1 across the human population is in stark contrast to the MHC molecules recognised by conventional αβ T-cells, therefore MR1Ts may form fertile ground for the development of pan-population T-cell immunotherapeutics for a wide range of important morbidities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • HLA Antigens / genetics
  • HLA Antigens / metabolism
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods*
  • Infections / immunology*
  • Minor Histocompatibility Antigens / metabolism
  • Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • MR1 protein, human
  • Minor Histocompatibility Antigens
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta