TCR- or Cytokine-Activated CD8+ Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells Are Rapid Polyfunctional Effectors That Can Coordinate Immune Responses (Cell Reports)

Lamichhane et al. compare the response of human CD8+ mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells to T cell receptor (TCR) and cytokine stimuli, demonstrating distinct transcriptional responses. Early TCR-stimulated MAIT cells are polyfunctional and produce multiple proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In contrast, response to cytokine stimulation is more restricted.