Characterization and Quantification of Innate Lymphoid Cell Subsets in Human Lung
Katrien C De Grove1, Sharen Provoost1, Fien M Verhamme1
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Plos One
|January 5, 2016
Summary
Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) subsets were identified in human lungs. Their frequencies may differ in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, suggesting a role in lung inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) are crucial for tissue homeostasis and inflammation.
- Limited information exists on ILC abundance and characteristics in the human lung.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and enumerate ILC subsets in the human lung.
- To investigate potential alterations in ILC populations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Main Methods:
- Multi-color flow cytometry was employed to analyze pulmonary ILC.
- Specific surface markers and transcription factors were used to identify ILC1, ILC2, and ILC3 subsets.
- ILC3 were further classified into natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR)+ and NCR- populations.
Main Results:
- All three main ILC subsets (ILC1, ILC2, ILC3) were identified in the human lung.
- Pulmonary ILC produced key cytokines including IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-17A, IL-22, and GM-CSF.
- A trend towards increased frequency of NCR- ILC3 was observed in COPD patients compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- The three major ILC subsets are present in the human lung.
- The relative abundance of ILC subsets may be altered in individuals with COPD.
