Natural Killer T (NKT) Cells and CD1d Tetramers
Introduction to NKT Cells
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a unique subset of T cells that bridge innate and adaptive immunity. While they express a semi-invariant T cell receptor (TCR αβ) and NK cell markers, NKT cells are distinct from natural killer (NK) cells and are not a subpopulation of them.
NKT cells are characterized by their ability to recognize lipid antigens presented by the MHC class I-like molecule, CD1d. They play a role in various immune responses, including antibacterial and antiviral defense, tumor surveillance, and autoimmune regulation.
Types of NKT Cells
- Type I (Invariant) NKT Cells
- TCR Specificity: Type I NKT cells predominantly express a highly invariant TCR α chain paired with one of a few β chains.
- Antigen Recognition: They specifically recognize the synthetic lipid antigen α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) and other lipid antigens presented by CD1d.
- Detection: CD1d tetramers loaded with α-GalCer, such as PBS44 or PBS57, are used to detect Type I NKT cells in human and mouse samples by flow cytometry. This detection allows identification of subpopulations like CD4+CD8-, CD4-CD8-, and in humans, CD4-CD8+ cells.
- Type II NKT Cells
- TCR Diversity: Type II NKT cells exhibit a broader TCR α chain diversity.
- Antigen Recognition: They do not recognize α-GalCer, so CD1d tetramers cannot detect them. Instead, Type II NKT cells respond to other lipid antigens presented by CD1d.
NKT Cell Function and Disease Relevance
NKT cells contribute to immune surveillance, modulating responses against infections, tumors, and autoimmune diseases. Depending on their context and subtype, NKT cells may either promote immune activation or provide regulatory functions, highlighting their therapeutic potential in immunology.
CD1d Tetramers for NKT Cell Detection
Our selection of CD1d tetramers is tailored to enable precise NKT cell identification and research:
Cat. No. | Allele | Antigen |
---|---|---|
HCD1d-001 | hCD1d | α-GalCer |
HCD1d-002 | hCD1d | Empty |
MCD1d-001 | mCD1d | α-GalCer |
MCD1d-002 | mCD1d | Empty |
- CD1d/α-GalCer Tetramers: These tetramers feature CD1d molecules loaded with α-Galactosyl Ceramide (PBS-44), based on extensive research by Professor Paul B. Savage (Brigham Young University). Lipid antigens like PBS-44 are available from S&D Lipopharma.
- CD1d/Empty Tetramers: These unloaded tetramers consist of CD1d molecules without an antigen, serving as a negative control or allowing researchers to load their lipid of choice (see protocol).
For precise, reliable detection of NKT cells in your research, explore our high-quality CD1d tetramers.
Specification of CD1d Tetramers
Tetramer Store supply CD1d Tetramers in various test sizes and the colors PE, BV421, BUV395, APC-Cy™7, APC, BV510, BV480, PE-Cy™5, PE-CF594, PE-Cy™7, PerCP-Cy™5.5, PerCP, FITC, BV605, BV650, BV786, APC-R700, BB515 and BUV737. For other colors, please enquire.
To order αGalCer (PBS-44) >> Press here