Nature killer T（NKT） cells is a new member of the immune community, with effected on the immunoregulation of oral tumors profoundly. There are at least two subsets: TypeⅠNKT cells, defined by their invariant T cell receptor using Vα14Jα18 in mice and Vα24Jα18 in humans, and type Ⅱ, variable T cell receptor-α chainexpressing, with recognizing lipids presented by CD1d. The role of NKT cells in tumor immunosurveillance and immunity is actively and continuously regulated in different ways. The type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ NKT cells counter-regulate each other and form a new immunoregulatory axis. Because NKT cells respond rapidly, the balance along this axis can greatly influence other immune responses that follow. Therefore, learning to manipulate the balance along this axis could very heavily affect the immunity of oral tumors. The current research are summarized in this paper, the classification of NKT cells, NKT cells in the role of oral tumor immunity, Ⅰ type NKT cells, Ⅱ type NKT cells, and the interactions of Ⅰ and Ⅱ type NKT cells in the oral tumor immunity.
