Innate lymphoid cells and cancer at border surfaces with the environment

Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) are a recently identified group of innate lymphocytes. ILC are subdivided into cytotoxic ILC (i.e., conventional natural killer (NK) cells) and helper ILC. Helper ILC are tissue-resident cells that have been involved in various physiological and pathological processes of organs and tissues. While their roles during inflammation are well studied, their contribution to tumor immunity is not well known. Here, we will provide an overview of the various helper ILC subsets, their development and function and discuss their potential roles during tumorigenesis and for anti-tumor immunity at border surface with the environment.