MAIT cells in host-microbiota interactions


In-person only

The emergence of the MHC I-like gene MR1 in the ancestor of mammals enabled T cells to see new ligands: small metabolites derived either from bile acids or from the microbial riboflavin pathway. MR1 remained highly conserved and monomorphic during evolution, and MR1-restricted T cells (MAIT cells) retained an innate-like program shared across species, indicating non-redundant functions linked to this antigenic specificity. Our lab investigates how MAIT ligands, which are constantly produced by the microbiota, shape MAIT cell development and function.