MAIT Cells in COVID-19: Heroes, Villains, or Both?
January 2020
in “
Critical Reviews in Immunology
”
Studysummary This review suggests that mucosa-associated invariant T cells may regulate the host response to SARS-CoV-2 and could be potential targets for COVID-19 management, but it reports no new clinical results.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
In 2020, the document "MAIT Cells in COVID-19: Heroes, Villains, or Both?" explored the role of Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells in COVID-19. MAIT cells, a type of immune cell, were suggested to have a dual role in COVID-19, contributing to the immune response against the virus and potentially to the excessive inflammatory response seen in severe cases. The document also discussed the activation of MAIT cells in a TCR-independent manner by IL-12 and IL-18, cytokines elevated in severe COVID-19. However, it was noted that MAIT cells could become functionally impaired in chronic viral infections, potentially limiting their effectiveness in combating COVID-19.
