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Updated: Mar 10, 2026

Single-cell Gene Expression Using Multiplex RT-qPCR to Characterize Heterogeneity of Rare Lymphoid Populations
Published on: January 19, 2017
Functional and phenotypic heterogeneity of group 3 innate lymphoid cells
Felipe Melo-Gonzalez1, Matthew R Hepworth1
1Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Abstract:
Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3), defined by expression of the transcription factor retinoid-related orphan receptor γt, play key roles in the regulation of inflammation and immunity in the gastrointestinal tract and associated lymphoid tissues. ILC3 consist largely of two major subsets, NCR+ ILC3 and LTi-like ILC3, but also demonstrate significant plasticity and heterogeneity. Recent advances have begun to dissect the relationship between ILC3 subsets and to define distinct functional states within the intestinal tissue microenvironment. In this review we discuss the ever-expanding roles of ILC3 in the context of intestinal homeostasis, infection and inflammation - with a focus on comparing and contrasting the relative contributions of ILC3 subsets.
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