Immune regulation by invariant NKT cells in autoimmunity.

Invariant NKT cells are important regulators of T cell immunity and autoimmunity. In this review we describe evidence that supports their regulatory role in the prevention of autoimmune disease. Moreover, we will discuss the current knowledge on iNKT cell biology, antigen recognition, acquisition of a specific cytokine profile, and mechanism of action that suggest a key role for iNKT cells as negative regulators of autoimmune diseases.