Tissue-Specific Features of Innate Lymphoid Cells. Issue 10 (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meininger, Isabel; Carrasco, Anna; Rao, Anna; Soini, Tea; Kokkinou, Efthymia; Mjösberg, Jenny
• Is Part Of: Trends in immunology. Volume 41:Issue 10(2020)
• Page Start: 902
• Page End: 917
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals; 571.96
• DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2020.08.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4906

Abstract

Abstract : Although the function of the circulating immune cell compartment has been studied in detail for decades, limitations in terms of access and cell yields from peripheral tissues have restricted our understanding of tissue-based immunity, particularly in humans. Recent advances in high-throughput protein analyses, transcriptional profiling, and epigenetics have partially overcome these obstacles. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are predominantly tissue-resident, and accumulating data indicate that they have significant tissue-specific functions. We summarize current knowledge of ILC phenotypes in various tissues in mice and humans, aiming to clarify ILC immunity in distinct anatomical locations. Highlights: Recent progress in the characterization of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) across various organs in mice and humans has revealed distinct ILC phenotypes and functionalities depending on their localization. Transcriptional profiling and genetic engineering have identified tissue-specific functions of ILC1 cells in mice. In humans, the definition of ILC1 cells is controversial and poorly understood, which complicates their characterization and comparison between organs. ILC2 cells display a relatively homogeneous phenotype across different tissues in mice and humans. Tissue variations are restricted to receptors involved in sensing environmental signals such as cytokines. ILC3 cells differ in their homing receptor expression patterns, antigen-presentation ability, and cytokine responsiveness not only across tissues but also across distinct niches within tissues.