The Role of Natural Killer T Cells in Acute Kidney Injury: Angel or Evil?

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is manifested by inflammation, and an early feature in the pathogenesis is the accumulation of immune cells in the kidney. Natural killer T (NKT) cells, a peculiar T cells subtype, serve as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. Due to the difference between type I and type II subsets, NKT cells were supposed to play a dual role in IR-related tissue injury. Furthermore, membrane receptors and clinical immunosuppressive agents remain involved in the modulation of NKT cell function. Therefore, regulation of the amount and viability of NKT cells becomes a potential strategy in amelioration of AKI. This review will highlight the recent insights gained into the role and mechanisms of NKT cells in AKI.