As MAIT cells can be activated by viral infections through secreted cytokines such as IL-12 and IL-18 (41), the diminished responsiveness of HSV-1-infected MAIT cells to IL-12/IL-18 and suppression of cytokine receptors such as IL-18R on MAIT cells may impact their ability to respond effectively to viral infections. Here, IL18R1 is linked to viral infectious disease.