NKT cells - target of immunological interventions to prevent or treat type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

NKT cells are unconventional T cells that contribute to the maintance of immune homeostasis. Decreased number and functional failures of these cells represent a risk factor of the development of autommune diseases including type 1 diabetes mellitus.

The stimulation of NKT cells induces perpetual protection from type 1 diabetes mellitus. It suggests its possible exploatation in the treatment and prevention.

Keywords

• diabetes
• NKT cells
• prevention
• treatment