Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are highly conserved immune cells that could participate in innate and adaptive immune responses after being activated by major histocompatibility complex class 1-related molecule (MR1) pathway or cytokine pathway. At present, it has been confirmed that a large number of MAIT cells exist in human peripheral blood and specific tissues, and play an important role in infectious diseases. This review focused on the role of MAIT cells in immune responses to different pathogens. Additionally, the therapeutic methods and challenges of targeting MAIT cells in infectious diseases were also discussed.