Mucosal-associated invariant T cells support IL-15-dependent Treg response in skin injury and promote resolution of skin inflammation

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are enriched at barrier sites, but their role in autoimmune skin inflammation remains unknown. Using cutaneous lupus as a model, we identify MAIT cells as protective regulators of skin inflammation and as critical upstream modulators of regulatory T cells (Treg). Topical MAIT cell activation with 5-OP-RU induced durable resolution of spontaneous skin lesions in MRL/lpr mice and suppressed TLR7-driven skin inflammation. MAIT cell activation selectively expanded and activated Treg populations in both healthy and lupus-like skin, while suppressing effector T cell cytokine production and cytotoxic programs. This MAIT-Treg axis was also activated in UV light-driven barrier injury in healthy murine and human skin, where MAIT cells were required for UV-elicited Treg expansion and function. In lupus-like skin, local MAIT cell activation restored the defective UVB-induced Treg response and limited CD8+ T cell expansion. Mechanistically, CCR2+ monocyte-derived antigen-presenting cells and IL-15 signaling were required for MAIT cell-driven Treg accumulation and therapeutic benefits of MAIT cells in inflamed skin. These studies identify a MAIT-IL-15-Treg axis that links barrier injury sensing to immune regulation, which is disrupted in cutaneous lupus, and nominate therapeutic MAIT cell activation as an unappreciated strategy for restoring immune homeostasis in inflamed skin.