Reprogramming and redifferentiation of mucosal-associated invariant T cells reveals tumor inhibitory activity

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells belong to a family of innate-like T cells that bridge innate and adaptive immunities. Although MAIT cells have been implicated in tumor immunity, it currently remains unclear whether they function as tumor promoting or inhibitory cells. Therefore, we herein used induced pluripotent cell (iPSC) technology to investigate this issue. Murine MAIT cells were reprogrammed into iPSCs and redifferentiated towards MAIT-like cells (m-reMAIT cells). m-reMAIT cells were activated by an agonist and MR1-tetramer, a reagent to detect MAIT cells, in the presence and absence of antigen-presenting cells. This activation accompanied protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the production of T helper (Th)1-, Th2-, and Th17-cytokines and inflammatory chemokines. Upon adoptive transfer, m-reMAIT cells migrated to different organs with maturation in mice. Furthermore, m-reMAIT cells prolonged mouse survival upon tumor inoculation through the NK cell-mediated reinforcement of cytolytic activity. Collectively, the present results demonstrated the utility and role of m-reMAIT cells in tumor immunity, and will contribute to insights into the function of MAIT cells in immunity.