Innate T cells (ITC) comprise a heterogeneous family of « hybrid » T lymphocytes that span the innate-adaptive continuum. Elaborately, ITC include NKT (Natural Killer T), MAIT (Mucosal-Associated Invariant T) and gamma/delta T cells. Unlike mainstream MHC-restricted T cells, ITC respond within only minutes after antigen encounter of various nature (lipid-based, metabolites, small-peptides, …) and origin (mammalian, microbial) in the context of highly conserved restriction elements.
Due to their effector and regulatory functions, ITC are considered as key players in tissue homeostasis and in a variety of immune responses such as cancer, infection, metabolic disorders, allergy and inflammation. Thus, ITC emerge as critical components of the mammalian immune system, as well as untapped biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Numerous scientists and clinicians in France develop direct or indirect research studies on these cells and ITC-associated pathologies.
The main objective of the ITC Club is to foster interactions between scientists/clinicians with interest in or working on all aspects of ITC biology. An important aspect of the Club will be to facilitate the integration of new researchers with interest in these cells by getting access to resources and protocols. Involvement of ITC in a broad spectrum of diseases should appeal clinicians and scientists from all backgrounds and should stimulate interdisciplinary collaborations.
The specific objectives of the Innate T cell Club are to :
- Introduce and highlight breakthroughs in the field.
- Enable all actors interested by this research field to meet and exchange easily.
- Share knowledge, resources and technologies related to the study of ITC.
