Critical contribution of liver natural killer T cells to a murine model of hepatitis

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.040566697
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T14:31:44Z
• Authors: Kazuyoshi Takeda; Yoshihiro Hayakawa; Luc Van Kaer; Hironori Matsuda; Hideo Yagita; Ko Okumura
• Keywords: Adoptive Cell Transfer; CD1; Autoimmune Hepatitis

Natural killer T (NKT) cells constitute a distinct subpopulation of with unique antigen specificity, prompt effector functions, and an unusual tissue distribution. NKT are especially abundant in the liver, but their physiological function this organ remains unclear. In present study, we examined possible contribution to murine model hepatitis induced by i.v. injection Con A. CD1-deficient mice lacking were highly resistant A-induced hepatitis. Adoptive transfer hepatic isolated from wild-type mice, not FasL-deficient gld sensitized Furthermore, adoptive mononuclear Upon A administration, rapidly up-regulated cell surface FasL expression FasL-mediated cytotoxicity. At same time, underwent apoptosis leading rapid disappearance liver. These results implicated on liver pathogenesis hepatitis, suggesting similar pathogenic role human diseases such as autoimmune