Group 3 innate lymphoid cells: A trained Gutkeeper

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) are crucial immune cells in the intestine, regulating homeostasis and immunity.
• ILC3s can detect tissue inflammation and pathogen challenges, leading to lasting functional changes.
• These properties position ILC3s as central players in the emerging field of trained innate immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent findings on ILC3 responses to bacterial challenges.
• To explore the role of these encounters in initiating trained innate immunity in ILC3s.
• To discuss signaling pathways influencing the development and function of trained ILC3s.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent discoveries in ILC3 research.
• Analysis of signaling events during ILC3 ontogeny.
• Discussion of current knowledge gaps in ILC3 training.

Main Results:

• Bacterial challenges induce durable, non-antigen-specific functional changes in ILC3s.
• These changes contribute to the phenomenon of trained innate immunity.
• Signaling pathways during development are implicated in trained ILC3 function.

Conclusions:

• ILC3s exhibit characteristics of trained innate immunity following bacterial encounters.
• Understanding ILC3 training mechanisms can reveal fundamental insights into innate immunity.
• This knowledge may pave the way for novel immunomodulatory therapies for various diseases.