Molecular insights into lipid-based antigen recognition by Natural Killer T cell antigen receptors

Our body comprises a group of defense warriors that protect us from the infections caused by microbes such as bacteria and viruses. These soldiers typically sense the proteins present in microbes to execute their functions. Recently, a special group of defense warriors was identified which senses fats from microorganisms for their protective function. In this PhD thesis, the structural basis underpinning how these specialized warriors recognize microbial fats and its influence on the outcome of numerous medical conditions have been examined.