This detailed book focuses on various aspects of Invariant Natural Killer T-Cells (iNKT), which are known to contribute to homeostasis and autoimmunity and can also cause various pathological responses such as allergy, infection, excessive autoimmune response, and cancer. The volume explores techniques for identification and isolation of iNKT cells, iNKT cell activation and transformation, as well as proliferation and differentiation and much more. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Invariant Natural Killer T-Cells: Methods and Protocols is an ideal guide for researchers working with and studying iNKT cells, perhaps to provide a deeper knowledge of the human immune system.

Immunological Concepts in Transfusion Medicine provides a thorough discussion of the immune aspects of blood component transfusion, with in-depth information on the intricacies of immune responses to blood components and the immune processes that may be initiated in response to blood exposure. Written to increase knowledge and awareness of immune challenges such as alloimmunization and transfusion-related acute lung injury, this title bridges current basic scientific discoveries and the potential effects seen in blood recipients. Complies the knowledge and expertise of Dr. Robert Maitta, an expert in immune responses and antibody function/structure studies. Helps clinicians in the daily practice of caring for patients in need of transfusion support, as well as physicians in training when considering utilizing blood transfusions in a limited scope or in the setting of massive transfusion. Includes an immunology primer as an introduction to in-depth chapters covering allergic immune reactions to blood components, transfusion-related immunomodulation, fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia and neonatal neuthropenia, complications of haploidentical and mismatched HSC transplantation, chimeric antibody receptor therapies, and much more. Consolidates today’s available information on this timely topic into a single, convenient resource.

T cells play a vital role mediating adaptive immunity, a specific acquired resistance to an infectious agent produced by the introduction of an antigen. There are a variety of T cell types with different functions. They are called T cells, because they are derived from the thymus gland. This volume discusses how T cells are regulated through the operation of signaling mechanisms. Topics covered include positive and negative selection, early events in T cell receptor engagement, and various T cell subsets.

This book will cover primary roles of NKT cells in immunity to cancer, in both mouse tumor models and cancer patients. There are several chapters describing general aspects of NKT cells.

Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are innate-like T lymphocytes recognizing self and foreign lipid antigens presented by CD1d, a trans-membrane glycoprotein closely related to MHC molecules. iNKT cells become rapidly activated during infection and play an important role in immunity against a spectrum of microbes. Unlike MHC-restricted T cells, however, iNKT cells express a semi-clonal T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, comprised of a canonical V[alpha] chain paired with a limited set of V[beta] chains. Furthermore, in contrast to MHC, CD1d is non-polymorphic. This suggests that the diversity of antigens that can be presented to and recognized by iNKT cells may be limited. Clarifying the mechanisms allowing iNKT cells to respond to different microbes is central to understanding the biology of these and other innate-like lymphocytes with restricted receptor diversity. In this dissertation, we address this question in the context of infection with fungi, a neglected class of pathogens with increasing clinical significance.

Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a heterogeneous group of T cells that share properties of both T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. Many of these cells recognize the non-polymorphic CD1d molecule, an antigen-presenting molecule that binds self- and foreign lipids and glycolipids. Upon activation, NK T cells are able to produce large quantities of interferon-gamma, IL-4, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, as well as multiple other cytokines and chemokines (such as IL-2 and TNF-alpha). NKT cells seem to be essential for several aspects of immunity because their dysfunction or deficiency has been shown to lead to the development of autoimmune diseases (such as diabetes or atherosclerosis) and cancers. NKT cells have recently been implicated in the disease progression of human asthma. The clinical potential of NKT cells lies in the rapid release of cytokines (such as IL-2, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-4) that promote or suppress different immune responses.

Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells comprise a small fraction of immune cells capable of responding within hours when stimulated by glycosphingolipid (GSL) antigens (Ags) and can impact the immune system months later. These iNKT cells respond to GSLs that are presented by the antigen presenting molecule CD1d. The iNKT cell driven immune cytokine response can alter depending on the GSL that is presented by CD1d. The GSL can lead to the production of a T helper type 1 (Th1) or a T helper type 2 (Th2) response characterized by IFN-gamma and IL-4 cytokines. Many synthetic GSL analogs of the most common iNKT cell antigen, alpha-Galactosylceramide (aGalCer) were used in this study to determine immunological and biochemical properties of Ags capable of activating iNKT cells. Studies consisted of in vitro Ag binding models, crystallographic structural models and in vivo immunological studies. Ags that are categorized as Th1 iNKT cell cytokine skewers have properties correlated with this response. The Th1 Ags studied are presented by CD1d on dendritic antigen presenting cells (APCs) and the CD1d and GSL seem to form more contacts according to structural studies and the CD1d-GSL complexes are more biologically stable in vivo. The work from these studies adds the to growing information in the field regarding the nature of iNKT cell immune system skewing.