Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an atypical subset of T lymphocytes, which have a highly conserved semi-constant αβ chain of T-cell receptor (TCR) and recognize microbe-derived vitamin B metabolites via major histocompatibility complex class I related-1 molecule (MR1). MAIT cells get activated mainly through unique TCR-dependent and TCR-independent pathways, and express multiple functional and phenotypic traits, including innate-like functionality, T helper (Th) 1 cell immunity, Th 17 cell immunity, and tissue homing. Given the functions, MAIT cells are extensively reported to play a key role in mucosal homeostasis and infectious diseases. In the current work, we review the basic characteristics of MAIT cells and their roles in mucosal homeostasis and development of respiratory infectious diseases as well as their potential therapeutic targets.

中文翻译：

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粘膜相关不变T细胞在呼吸系统传染病中的最新进展和应用

粘膜相关不变 T (MAIT) 细胞是 T 淋巴细胞的非典型亚群，具有高度保守的 T 细胞受体 (TCR) 半恒定 αβ 链，并通过主要组织相容性复合物 I 类相关识别微生物衍生的维生素 B 代谢物。 -1 分子 (MR1)。MAIT细胞主要通过独特的TCR依赖性和TCR非依赖性途径被激活，并表达多种功能和表型特征，包括先天样功能、辅助性T (Th) 1细胞免疫、Th 17细胞免疫和组织归巢。鉴于其功能，MAIT 细胞被广泛报道在粘膜稳态和传染病中发挥关键作用。在当前的工作中，我们综述了MAIT细胞的基本特征及其在粘膜稳态和呼吸道传染病发生发展中的作用及其潜在的治疗靶点。