Multidimensional molecular controls defining NK/ILC1 identity in cancers

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILCs) are a diverse lymphocyte population lacking antigen-specific receptors.
• NK cells, the first identified ILCs, were grouped with ILC1s due to shared traits.
• ILC classification evolved into five groups (NK, LTi, ILC1, ILC2, ILC3) based on cytokines and transcription factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review phenotyping characteristics of NK cells and ILC1s in mice and humans.
• To address the challenges in differentiating NK cells and ILC1s, particularly in cancer research.
• To propose a model for determining NK cell and ILC1 identity.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on ILC and NK cell phenotyping.
• Analysis of molecular and ontogeny-related signals.
• Examination of tissue-specific and tumor microenvironment influences.

Main Results:

• The distinction between NK cells and ILC1s remains challenging due to cellular similarities and plasticity.
• Misclassification can lead to erroneous conclusions in cancer studies.
• Multidimensional molecular controls, ontogeny, tissue, and tumor microenvironment signals dictate cell identity.

Conclusions:

• Precise phenotyping of NK cells and ILC1s is crucial for accurate cancer research.
• Complex molecular and environmental factors determine NK cell and ILC1 cell fate.
• Further research is needed to refine the discrimination between these cell types.