Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
08:22
Co-Culture of Murine Small Intestine Epithelial Organoids with Innate Lymphoid Cells
Published on: March 23, 2022
Control of epithelial cell function by interleukin-22-producing RORγt+ innate lymphoid cells
Stephanie L Sanos1, Cedric Vonarbourg, Arthur Mortha
1IMMH, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Immunology
|March 12, 2011
Summary
Innate lymphocytes, including natural killer (NK) cells, lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells, and natural helper cells, are key to immune defense. This review focuses on RORγt-dependent cells producing interleukin-22 (IL-22).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Innate lymphocytes, beyond natural killer (NK) cells, include lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells and natural helper cells.
- LTi cells are RORγt-dependent and crucial for lymph node development and cytokine production (IL-22, IL-17).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the understanding of innate IL-22-producing lymphocyte subsets.
- To clarify the development and function of these newly identified immune cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on innate lymphocyte subsets.
- Analysis of transcription factor RORγt dependency and cytokine production profiles.
Main Results:
- Identification of a novel RORγt-dependent innate lymphocyte subset expressing NK cell receptors (NKRs).
- These NKR(+) RORγt(+) cells are potent producers of IL-22, similar to LTi cells.
- The precise lineage of NKR(+) RORγt(+) cells (NK or LTi) remains under investigation.
Conclusions:
- The diversity of innate lymphocytes, particularly IL-22 producers, is greater than previously understood.
- RORγt plays a critical role in the development of distinct innate lymphocyte subsets involved in immunity and development.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the lineage and specific functions of NKR(+) RORγt(+) cells.
Related Concept Videos
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:12Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...
01:18Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells and tissues are integral to the immune system, which is crucial in maintaining our body's defense against harmful pathogens. They form the building blocks of lymphoid organs, which include the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes.
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:27Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...