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Updated: Sep 11, 2025

Co-Culture of Murine Small Intestine Epithelial Organoids with Innate Lymphoid Cells
Published on: March 23, 2022
Neuro-ILC Interactions in Host Physiology and Defence.
Cristina Godinho-Silva1, Miguel Rendas1, Henrique Veiga-Fernandes1
1Champalimaud Foundation, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Research, Lisbon, Portugal.
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and the nervous system form crucial neuro-ILC circuits. These circuits regulate physiological processes across multiple organs and influence host defense, impacting health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cellular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are increasingly recognized for their role in neuroimmune interactions.
- Bidirectional communication between ILCs and the peripheral nervous system is vital for mucosal immunity and homeostasis.
- Emerging evidence highlights neuro-ILC circuits in various tissues, including the liver, adipose tissue, and skin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding tissue, organ, and systemic neuro-ILC circuits.
- To elucidate the role of brain-body and inter-organ communication axes in coordinating host physiology.
- To discuss the implications of neuro-ILC circuits in host defense, health, and disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent findings on neuro-ILC interactions.
- Analysis of studies investigating neural regulation of ILCs in various tissues.
- Synthesis of research on brain-body and inter-organ communication pathways.
Main Results:
- Neuro-ILC circuits are fundamental to physiological regulation in multiple organs and systemically.
- Brain regions and neural circuits modulate tissue-specific neuro-ILC interactions.
- These circuits integrate environmental cues and internal states to coordinate bodily functions.
Conclusions:
- Neuro-ILC circuits are central to coordinating host physiology and defense mechanisms.
- Understanding these circuits offers profound insights into the mechanisms of health and disease.
- Future research on neuro-ILC circuits holds significant implications for therapeutic strategies.
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