The Contribution of Hepatic NKT Cells to the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

NKT cells are a unique subset of cells, which have both T cell receptors and surface molecules specific to natural killer cells, recognize glycolipid antigens, and have either pro- or anti-inflammatory activity. Recent findings showed that NKT cells play a regulatory role in various diseases involving lipid dysfunction, including Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases. NKT cells are involved in the process of inflammation, due to interactions of CD1d with lipid metabolic and microbiota-derived factors, especially in NAFLD.