Figure 1.

The characteristics of MAIT cell. MAIT cells are defined as CD3⁺CD161⁺Vα7.2⁺ lymphocytes. Most MAIT cells are CD8⁺T subset. The MR1-5-OP-RU and TCRβ can define MAIT cells. MAIT cells possess homing receptors CCR6, CXCR6, β7-integrins and CXCR3 to migrate to the liver, intestines and some inflammatory tissues. MAIT cells express cytokine receptors IL-12R and IL-18R, which can be activated by different cytokines. Meanwhile, MAIT cells have the multidrug resistance transporter (ABCB1). Once being activated, MAIT cells produce Th1 and Th17 cytokines, such as TNF-α,IFN-γ,IL-17. Meanwhile MAIT cells release granzyme B and perforin to kill the infected cells. This picture was adapted from the reference ⁹¹.