Natural killer T cells (NK T cells) are a type of lymphocyte, or white blood cell. They are a subset of T cells with an alpha beta T cell receptor (TCR). They differ from conventional alpha beta T cells in that their TCRs are far more limited in diversity and in that they recognize glycolipids presented by CD1d molecules, a member of the CD1 family of antigen presenting molecules, rather than peptide-MHC complexes. Upon activation, NK T cells are able to produce large quantities of interferon-gamma and IL-4, as well as multiple other cytokines and cell surface markers, such as CD40L. Lymphocyte (stained) A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell involved in the human bodys immune system. ... T cells are a subset of lymphocytes that play a large role in the immune response. ... The T cell receptor or TCR is responsible for recognizing antigen bound to Major histocompatibility complex (MHC). ... CD1 (cluster of differentiation 1) is a family of glycoproteins expressed on the surface of various human antigen-presenting cells. ... Peptides (from the Greek πεπτος, digestible), are the family of short molecules formed from the linking, in a defined order, of various α-amino acids. ... It has been suggested that Class I MHC be merged into this article or section. ... Interferons (IFNs) are natural proteins produced by the cells of the immune systems of most animals in response to challenges by foreign agents such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and tumor cells. ... Interleukin-4, abreviated IL-4, is a lymphokine that stimulates the proliferation of activated B-cells and T-cells, among other effects. ...

NKT cells have recently been implicated in the disease progression of asthma.

NKT cells share certain characteristics with NK cells which are cells of the innate immune system that are specialized in killing virally-infected cells. While NKT cells are also considered by some to be part of the innate immune system, they are also T cells because of their expression of a T cell receptor. Natural killer cells (NK) are a type of lymphocyte (a white blood cell) and a component of nonspecific immune defense. ... The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) A bacteriophage virus A virus is a submicroscopic parasitic particle that infects cells in biological organisms. ... The T cell receptor or TCR is responsible for recognizing antigen bound to Major histocompatibility complex (MHC). ...