CD3+CD4−CD8− T cells: a new potential therapeutic target in treating autoimmune diseases

作者：Xin Li, Di Guo, Isabelle Xinyue Zou, Lingyan Zhao, Na Yang, Yang Liu · 发表于：Frontiers in Immunology · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3389/fimmu.2025.1683418 · 被引用次数：4 · 研究领域：T-cell and B-cell Immunology、Immune Cell Function and Interaction、Immunotherapy and Immune Responses

T (DNT) cells constitute only a small proportion of peripheral T lymphocytes, they may be closely linked to the occurrence and development of autoimmune diseases. However, the role of DNT cells in autoimmune disease pathogenesis still needs to be elucidated. In this review, we first present the origin, functions, and heterogeneity of DNT cells. We then summarize the role of DNT cells in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. Subsequently, we clarify the recent advances in the applications of DNT cell-based therapy for autoimmune diseases and outline potential drugs (including active ingredients extracted from Chinese medicinal treatments) and approaches that can target the proliferation and expansion of DNT cells. Lastly, the limitations and challenges of applying DNT-cell-based therapy are analyzed. In conclusion, we present an overview to further the understanding of the role of DNT cells in autoimmune disease pathogenesis and of DNT cells as a potential therapeutic tool for immune disorders.