Lay summary
As a student of Māori descent, I strive to conduct research that could help to create a more even playing field in the healthcare system. Research into MAIT cells can be used to address health issues Māori face. MAIT cells are innate-like T cells that contain a semi-invariant T cell receptor. The way in which MAIT cells are activated via the immediate innate immune system creates great interest in their properties within the field of immunological research. Based on the previous findings by Stocker, Timmer, and co-workers, the synthesis of adapted fluorescent MAIT cell ligands with the attachment of the highly activating ribityl chain could provide a better understanding of MAIT cell activation or deactivation, as well as where antigen-presenting cells present ligands to MAIT cells. These therapeutics can be applied to various diseases such as colon cancer, which disproportionately affects Māori.