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.

Innate and adaptive immune responses initiated by infection depend on recognition and control of pathogens by macrophages,dendritic cells,T cells and so on.Notch signaling pathway is a highly conserved pathway,which is activated by interac-tion of receptors and ligands,thus coordinating important life processes of cells.At present,it has been confirmed that Notch signaling pathway is involved in development,differentiation,maturation and activation of many kinds of immune cells,and plays an important role in infectious diseases.In this review,we mainly focus on the role of Notch signaling pathway in immune regulation during different pathogens infection and its interaction with other signaling pathways.Additionally,therapeutic methods and challenges of developing Notch signaling as a target in infectious diseases are also discussed.