Role of Non-conventional T Lymphocytes in Respiratory Infections: the Case of the Pneumococcus

Non-conventional t lymphocytes constitute a special arm of the immune system and act as sentinels against pathogens at mucosal surfaces. these non-conventional t cells (including mucosal-associated invariant t [mait] cells,gamma delta [γδ] t cells,and natural killer t [nkt] cells) display several innate cell-like features and are rapidly activated by the recognition of conserved,stress-induced,self,and microbial ligands. here,we review the role of non-conventional t cells during respiratory infections,with a particular focus on the encapsulated extracellular pathogen streptococcus pneumoniae,the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia worldwide. we consider whether mait cells,γδ t cells,and nkt cells might offer opportunities for preventing and/or treating human pneumococcus infections. © 2014 ivanov et al.