Group 2 innate lymphoid cells: Where are we 15 years out?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are crucial early responders in immune responses, orchestrating inflammation via cytokine production.
• Group 2 ILCs (ILC2s) produce IL-5 and IL-13 upon stimulation by alarmins like IL-33, IL-25, and TSLP.
• ILC2s are recognized as central players in type 2 inflammatory diseases such as asthma and rhinosinusitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in understanding ILC2 modulation and function.
• To explore ILC2 roles in immune disease pathogenesis and homeostasis.
• To focus on neural, endocrine, memory/trained immunity, cellular plasticity, and adaptive type 2 responses.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent scientific publications.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on ILC2 biology and function.
• Focus on emerging areas of ILC2 research.

Main Results:

• ILC2s are increasingly recognized for their complex regulatory roles beyond initial descriptions.
• New insights reveal ILC2 involvement in neural and endocrine pathways.
• Understanding of ILC2 plasticity and contribution to adaptive immunity is rapidly evolving.

Conclusions:

• ILC2s are dynamic immune cells with multifaceted roles in health and disease.
• Further research into ILC2 modulation by neural and endocrine factors is warranted.
• ILC2s represent a promising target for therapeutic interventions in type 2 inflammatory conditions.