Reduced Numbers and Proapoptotic Features of Mucosal-associated Invariant T Cells as a Characteristic Finding in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

The number of MAIT cells in the peripheral blood and inflamed mucosae of patients with UC and CD was lower than that in non-IBD controls. Also, MAIT cells from patients with IBD exhibited proapoptotic features. These data suggest the pathological involvement and the potential for therapeutic manipulation of these cells in patients with IBD.