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Chung DC, Garcia-Batres CR, Millar DG, Wong SWY, Elford AR, Mathews JA, Wang BX, Nguyen LT, Shaw PA, Clarke BA, Bernardini MQ, Sacher AG, Crome SQ, Ohashi PS. Generation of an Inhibitory NK Cell Subset by TGF-β1/IL-15 Polarization. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1904-1912. [PMID: 38668728 PMCID: PMC11149900 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
NK cells have been shown to exhibit inflammatory and immunoregulatory functions in a variety of healthy and diseased settings. In the context of chronic viral infection and cancer, distinct NK cell populations that inhibit adaptive immune responses have been observed. To understand how these cells arise and further characterize their immunosuppressive role, we examined in vitro conditions that could polarize human NK cells into an inhibitory subset. TGF-β1 has been shown to induce regulatory T cells in vitro and in vivo; we therefore investigated if TGF-β1 could also induce immunosuppressive NK-like cells. First, we found that TGF-β1/IL-15, but not IL-15 alone, induced CD103+CD49a+ NK-like cells from peripheral blood NK cells, which expressed markers previously associated with inhibitory CD56+ innate lymphoid cells, including high expression of GITR and CD101. Moreover, supernatant from ascites collected from patients with ovarian carcinoma also induced CD103+CD49a+ NK-like cells in vitro in a TGF-β-dependent manner. Interestingly, TGF-β1/IL-15-induced CD103+CD56+ NK-like cells suppressed autologous CD4+ T cells in vitro by reducing absolute number, proliferation, and expression of activation marker CD25. Collectively, these findings provide new insight into how NK cells may acquire an inhibitory phenotype in TGF-β1-rich environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas C. Chung
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carlos R. Garcia-Batres
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Douglas G. Millar
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie W. Y. Wong
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alisha R. Elford
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica A. Mathews
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ben X. Wang
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Linh T. Nguyen
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia A. Shaw
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Blaise A. Clarke
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marcus Q. Bernardini
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adrian G. Sacher
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Q. Crome
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pamela S. Ohashi
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tumour Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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2
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Fol M, Karpik W, Zablotni A, Kulesza J, Kulesza E, Godkowicz M, Druszczynska M. Innate Lymphoid Cells and Their Role in the Immune Response to Infections. Cells 2024; 13:335. [PMID: 38391948 PMCID: PMC10886880 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, a group of lymphocyte-like cells called innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) has gained considerable attention due to their crucial role in regulating immunity and tissue homeostasis. ILCs, lacking antigen-specific receptors, are a group of functionally differentiated effector cells that act as tissue-resident sentinels against infections. Numerous studies have elucidated the characteristics of ILC subgroups, but the mechanisms controlling protective or pathological responses to pathogens still need to be better understood. This review summarizes the functions of ILCs in the immunology of infections caused by different intracellular and extracellular pathogens and discusses their possible therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Fol
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (M.F.); (W.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Wojciech Karpik
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (M.F.); (W.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Agnieszka Zablotni
- Department of Bacterial Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Jakub Kulesza
- Department of Internal Diseases and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, 91-347 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Ewelina Kulesza
- Department of Rheumatology and Internal Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Godkowicz
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (M.F.); (W.K.); (M.G.)
- Lodz Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, The Bio-Med-Chem Doctoral School, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Druszczynska
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland; (M.F.); (W.K.); (M.G.)
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3
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Tsymala
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karl Kuchler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
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4
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Mak ML, Reid KT, Crome SQ. Protective and pathogenic functions of innate lymphoid cells in transplantation. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 213:23-39. [PMID: 37119279 PMCID: PMC10324558 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a family of lymphocytes with essential roles in tissue homeostasis and immunity. Along with other tissue-resident immune populations, distinct subsets of ILCs have important roles in either promoting or inhibiting immune tolerance in a variety of contexts, including cancer and autoimmunity. In solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, both donor and recipient-derived ILCs could contribute to immune tolerance or rejection, yet understanding of protective or pathogenic functions are only beginning to emerge. In addition to roles in directing or regulating immune responses, ILCs interface with parenchymal cells to support tissue homeostasis and even regeneration. Whether specific ILCs are tissue-protective or enhance ischemia reperfusion injury or fibrosis is of particular interest to the field of transplantation, beyond any roles in limiting or promoting allograft rejection or graft-versus host disease. Within this review, we discuss the current understanding of ILCs functions in promoting immune tolerance and tissue repair at homeostasis and in the context of transplantation and highlight where targeting or harnessing ILCs could have applications in novel transplant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Mak
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kyle T Reid
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sarah Q Crome
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
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5
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Peng G, Sinkko HM, Alenius H, Lozano N, Kostarelos K, Bräutigam L, Fadeel B. Graphene oxide elicits microbiome-dependent type 2 immune responses via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 18:42-48. [PMID: 36509925 PMCID: PMC9879769 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-022-01260-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiome produces metabolites that interact with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a key regulator of immune homoeostasis in the gut1,2. Here we show that oral exposure to graphene oxide (GO) modulates the composition of the gut microbiome in adult zebrafish, with significant differences in wild-type versus ahr2-deficient animals. Furthermore, GO was found to elicit AhR-dependent induction of cyp1a and homing of lck+ cells to the gut in germ-free zebrafish larvae when combined with the short-chain fatty acid butyrate. To obtain further insights into the immune responses to GO, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to profile cells from whole germ-free embryos as well as cells enriched for lck. These studies provided evidence for the existence of innate lymphoid cell (ILC)-like cells3 in germ-free zebrafish. Moreover, GO endowed with a 'corona' of microbial butyrate triggered the induction of ILC2-like cells with attributes of regulatory cells. Taken together, this study shows that a nanomaterial can influence the crosstalk between the microbiome and immune system in an AhR-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guotao Peng
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanna M Sinkko
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Human Microbiome Research Program (HUMI), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri Alenius
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Human Microbiome Research Program (HUMI), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Neus Lozano
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Kostas Kostarelos
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), Bellaterra, Spain
- National Graphene Institute, and Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lars Bräutigam
- Comparative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bengt Fadeel
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Morgan RC, Kee BL. Genomic and Transcriptional Mechanisms Governing Innate-like T Lymphocyte Development. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:208-216. [PMID: 35821098 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Innate-like lymphocytes are a subset of lymphoid cells that function as a first line of defense against microbial infection. These cells are activated by proinflammatory cytokines or broadly expressed receptors and are able to rapidly perform their effector functions owing to a uniquely primed chromatin state that is acquired as a part of their developmental program. These cells function in many organs to protect against disease, but they release cytokines and cytotoxic mediators that can also lead to severe tissue pathologies. Therefore, harnessing the capabilities of these cells for therapeutic interventions will require a deep understanding of how these cells develop and regulate their effector functions. In this review we discuss recent advances in the identification of the transcription factors and the genomic regions that guide the development and function of invariant NKT cells and we highlight related mechanisms in other innate-like lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxroy C Morgan
- Committee on Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL; and
| | - Barbara L Kee
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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7
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Favaro RR, Phillips K, Delaunay-Danguy R, Ujčič K, Markert UR. Emerging Concepts in Innate Lymphoid Cells, Memory, and Reproduction. Front Immunol 2022; 13:824263. [PMID: 35774779 PMCID: PMC9237338 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.824263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the innate immune system, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), encompass five major populations (Natural Killer (NK) cells, ILC1s, ILC2s, ILC3s, and lymphoid tissue inducer cells) whose functions include defense against pathogens, surveillance of tumorigenesis, and regulation of tissue homeostasis and remodeling. ILCs are present in the uterine environment of humans and mice and are dynamically regulated during the reproductive cycle and pregnancy. These cells have been repurposed to support pregnancy promoting maternal immune tolerance and placental development. To accomplish their tasks, immune cells employ several cellular and molecular mechanisms. They have the capacity to remember a previously encountered antigen and mount a more effective response to succeeding events. Memory responses are not an exclusive feature of the adaptive immune system, but also occur in innate immune cells. Innate immune memory has already been demonstrated in monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and ILCs. A population of decidual NK cells characterized by elevated expression of NKG2C and LILRB1 as well as a distinctive transcriptional and epigenetic profile was found to expand during subsequent pregnancies in humans. These cells secrete high amounts of interferon-γ and vascular endothelial growth factor likely favoring placentation. Similarly, uterine ILC1s in mice upregulate CXCR6 and expand in second pregnancies. These data provide evidence on the development of immunological memory of pregnancy. In this article, the characteristics, functions, and localization of ILCs are reviewed, emphasizing available data on the uterine environment. Following, the concept of innate immune memory and its mechanisms, which include epigenetic changes and metabolic rewiring, are presented. Finally, the emerging role of innate immune memory on reproduction is discussed. Advances in the comprehension of ILC functions and innate immune memory may contribute to uncovering the immunological mechanisms underlying female fertility/infertility, placental development, and distinct outcomes in second pregnancies related to higher birth weight and lower incidence of complications.
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Chung DC, Jacquelot N, Ghaedi M, Warner K, Ohashi PS. Innate Lymphoid Cells: Role in Immune Regulation and Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092071. [PMID: 35565201 PMCID: PMC9102917 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are an emerging family of effector cells known to play a major role in innate defenses against pathogens, lymphoid organogenesis, tissue repair, and homeostasis. They are positioned strategically within tissues to provide the first line of defence and shape the ensuing adaptive immune cell response. Recent evidence suggests that ILCs contribute to immune regulation in different diseases, including cancer, and can have significant impact on disease outcome. In this review, we highlight the immunosuppressive roles of ILCs in cancer that inhibit effective immune surveillance and anti-tumour response. Abstract Immune regulation is composed of a complex network of cellular and molecular pathways that regulate the immune system and prevent tissue damage. It is increasingly clear that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are also armed with immunosuppressive capacities similar to well-known immune regulatory cells (i.e., regulatory T cells). In cancer, immunoregulatory ILCs have been shown to inhibit anti-tumour immune response through various mechanisms including: (a) direct suppression of anti-tumour T cells or NK cells, (b) inhibiting T-cell priming, and (c) promoting other immunoregulatory cells. To provide a framework of understanding the role of immunosuppressive ILCs in the context of cancer, we first outline a brief history and challenges related to defining immunosuppressive ILCs. Furthermore, we focus on the mechanisms of ILCs in suppressing anti-tumour immunity and consequentially promoting tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas C. Chung
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
- Correspondence: (D.C.C.); (P.S.O.)
| | - Nicolas Jacquelot
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Maryam Ghaedi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Kathrin Warner
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
| | - Pamela S. Ohashi
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (N.J.); (M.G.); (K.W.)
- Correspondence: (D.C.C.); (P.S.O.)
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9
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Murphy JM, Ngai L, Mortha A, Crome SQ. Tissue-Dependent Adaptations and Functions of Innate Lymphoid Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:836999. [PMID: 35359972 PMCID: PMC8960279 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.836999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue-resident immune cells reside in distinct niches across organs, where they contribute to tissue homeostasis and rapidly respond to perturbations in the local microenvironment. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a family of innate immune cells that regulate immune and tissue homeostasis. Across anatomical locations throughout the body, ILCs adopt tissue-specific fates, differing from circulating ILC populations. Adaptations of ILCs to microenvironmental changes have been documented in several inflammatory contexts, including obesity, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. While our understanding of ILC functions within tissues have predominantly been based on mouse studies, development of advanced single cell platforms to study tissue-resident ILCs in humans and emerging patient-based data is providing new insights into this lymphocyte family. Within this review, we discuss current concepts of ILC fate and function, exploring tissue-specific functions of ILCs and their contribution to health and disease across organ systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Murphy
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Louis Ngai
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arthur Mortha
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Q Crome
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Abstract
More than a decade ago, type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) were discovered to be members of a family of innate immune cells consisting of five subsets that form a first line of defence against infections before the recruitment of adaptive immune cells. Initially, ILC2s were implicated in the early immune response to parasitic infections, but it is now clear that ILC2s are highly diverse and have crucial roles in the regulation of tissue homeostasis and repair. ILC2s can also regulate the functions of other type 2 immune cells, including T helper 2 cells, type 2 macrophages and eosinophils. Dysregulation of ILC2s contributes to type 2-mediated pathology in a wide variety of diseases, potentially making ILC2s attractive targets for therapeutic interventions. In this Review, we focus on the spectrum of ILC2 phenotypes that have been described across different tissues and disease states with an emphasis on human ILC2s. We discuss recent insights in ILC2 biology and suggest how this knowledge might be used for novel disease treatments and improved human health. Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) have diverse phenotypes across different tissues and disease states. Recent insights into ILC2 biology raise new possibilities for the improved treatment of cancer and of metabolic, infectious and chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hergen Spits
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Jenny Mjösberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
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