NKT cells

Natural killer T cells (NKT cells – do not mix with the natural killer cells (CD56+3-) of the innate immune system) link the adaptive immune system with the innate immune system. In difference to conventional T cells that recognize peptide antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHCI and II) molecules, NKT cells recognize antigen presented by a surface receptor called CD1d. Activated cells can perform functions ascribed to both helper T cell and cytotoxic T cells. They are also able to recognize and eliminate some tumor cells and cells infected by herpes viruses.