Type 1 diabetes and NKT cells: a report on the 3rd International Workshop on NKT cells and CD1-mediated antigen presentation, September 2004, Heron Island, QLD, Australia.

NKT cells play a major role in regulating the vigor and character of a broad range of immune responses. Defects in NKT cell numbers and function have been associated with type 1 diabetes, especially in the NOD mouse model. The 3rd International Workshop on NKT Cells and CD1-Mediated Antigen Presentation provided an opportunity for researchers in the field of NKT cell biology to discuss their latest results, many of which have direct relevance to understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of diabetes.