1. Figure 2 Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells promote atherogenesis
Figure 2 | Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells promote atherogenesis. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) activate iNKT cells by presenting lipid bound to the CD1d–β2-macroglobulin complex on their cell surface. The lipid antigens are loaded onto CD1d molecules in the endosomal/lysosomal compartments and can be either endogenous self-lipids or exogenous lipids taken up into the APC by phagocytosis or receptor-mediated processes. iNKT cells can also be activated by stimulation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling that can upregulate endogenous glycolipid antigens for CD1d presentation or promote the secretion of cytokines that in turn activate iNKT cells independently of CD1d. The activated iNKT cells secrete a variety of cytokines that influence the activity of cells within the innate and adaptive immune systems, and cytotoxic proteins that promote apoptosis within the lesions. These process work together to promote the development of atherosclerosis. LPS, lipopolysaccharide; NK, natural killer; TCR, T-cell receptor.
Getz, G. S. & Reardon, C. A. (2017) Natural killer T cells in atherosclerosis
Nat. Rev. Cardiol. doi: /nrcardio