Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are innate counterparts of T cells that contribute to immune responses by secreting effector cytokines and regulating the functions of other innate and adaptive immune cells. ILCs carry out some unique functions but share some tasks with T cells. ILCs are present in lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs and are particularly abundant at the mucosal barriers, where they are exposed to allergens, commensal microbes, and pathogens. The impact of ILCs in mucosal immune responses has been extensively investigated in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, as well as in the oral cavity. Here we review the state-of-the-art knowledge of ILC functions in infections, allergy and autoimmune disorders of the mucosal barriers.
Highlights
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a family of lymphocytes comprising the innate counterparts of T cells
Based on the signature cytokines they produce, their phenotype, and their developmental pathways, ILCs are divided into three major groups: ILC1s, ILC2s, and ILC3s
Since ILCs mainly populate mucosal sites, this review focuses on how these cells typically contribute to maintenance of barrier integrity and protection against various pathogenic challenges, as well as their propensity to promote allergic and autoimmune diseases when inappropriately stimulated
Summary
ILCs are a family of lymphocytes comprising the innate counterparts of T cells. They are poised to secrete cytokines that respond swiftly to pathogenic tissue damage and shape subsequent adaptive immunity [1]. Experiments in mice have shown that ILC2s promote epithelial and goblet cell proliferation and mucus production in the H1N1 influenza virus infection model through secretion of amphiregulin and IL-13 [15]. A study by Chang et al demonstrated that ILC2s play a pathogenic role through IL-13 production in the H3N1 influenza infection model that induces airway hyper-reactivity, a cardinal feature of asthma [42].
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