Mucosal-associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells respond to microbial metabolites by TCR detection of MR1-bound small metabolite antigens. They play a role in protective immunity, as demonstrated most clearly in mouse models of bacterial infection.

MAIT cells are abundant in human circulation, and within tissues such as the liver and mucosal barrier sites. They contribute to barrier integrity and tissue repair, drive pathology in chronic infection, and are associated with poor outcomes in several autoimmune diseases, cancers and COVID-19.

As the MAIT cell field matures, we now appreciate an increasing diversity of functions and have a more complete picture of the heterogeneity, phenotype, and function of MAIT cells in mice, humans, and other mammals. Current research continues to elucidate the mechanisms underlying MAIT cells’ roles in infections and non-infectious diseases, to determine the functional relevance of diversity of MAIT cell subsets, co-receptor usage and TCR diversity.

As we find the place of MAIT cells in the immune system, we are beginning to consider the complexities of MAIT cells within the context of an integrated immune response and constitutive tissue homeostasis, with roles beyond direct anti-bacterial function. With this Research Topic we aim to highlight the potential impact of MAIT cells by showcasing recent research findings and review progress from discovery, towards therapy.

In this Research Topic, we encourage authors to submit Original Research, Review and Opinion articles focusing on, but not limited to:

• MAIT cell antigens
• MR1 antigen presentation
• Signals driving MAIT cell activation
• MAIT cell-immune cell interactions
• MAIT cells and the microbiota
• MAIT TCR diversity and clonality
• MAIT subsets
• MAIT cell role in infections
• MAIT cells in non-infectious disease
• MAIT cells in COVID-19
• MAIT cell role in cancer and CAR-MAIT therapy

Both human and animal studies are welcome but purely descriptive studies will be out of scope.

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Frontiers in Immunology

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