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Regulation and Function of ILC3s in Pulmonary Infections
Joseph P Hoffmann1, Jay K Kolls1, Janet E McCombs1
1Center for Translational Research in Infection & Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States.
Abstract:
Lower respiratory infections are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These potentially deadly infections are further exacerbated due to the growing incidence of antimicrobial resistance. To combat these infections there is a need to better understand immune mechanisms that promote microbial clearance. This need in the context of lung infections has been further heightened with the emergence of SARS-CoV-2. Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) are a recently discovered tissue resident innate immune cell found at mucosal sites that respond rapidly in the event of an infection. ILC3s have clear roles in regulating mucosal immunity and tissue homeostasis in the intestine, though the immunological functions in lungs remain unclear. It has been demonstrated in both viral and bacterial pneumonia that stimulated ILC3s secrete the cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 to promote both microbial clearance as well as tissue repair. In this review, we will evaluate regulation of ILC3s during inflammation and discuss recent studies that examine ILC3 function in the context of both bacterial and viral pulmonary infections.
Insights
Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) are crucial for clearing lung infections. This review explores their role in bacterial and viral pneumonia, highlighting their potential in combating antimicrobial resistance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Lower respiratory infections cause significant global morbidity and mortality.
- Antimicrobial resistance exacerbates the threat of these infections.
- Understanding immune mechanisms for microbial clearance is critical, especially with SARS-CoV-2 emergence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the regulation of Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) during pulmonary inflammation.
- To discuss current research on ILC3 function in bacterial and viral lung infections.
- To elucidate the immunological functions of ILC3s in the lungs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on ILC3s in pulmonary infections.
- Analysis of ILC3 cytokine secretion (IL-17, IL-22) in pneumonia models.
- Evaluation of ILC3 roles in mucosal immunity and tissue homeostasis.
Main Results:
- ILC3s are rapidly responding innate immune cells found at mucosal sites.
- Stimulated ILC3s secrete IL-17 and IL-22, promoting microbial clearance and tissue repair.
- ILC3 functions in the lungs are increasingly recognized but require further elucidation.
Conclusions:
- ILC3s play a significant role in host defense against pulmonary pathogens.
- IL-17 and IL-22 produced by ILC3s are key mediators of lung immunity.
- Further research into ILC3s offers potential therapeutic strategies against respiratory infections and antimicrobial resistance.
