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INNATE LYMPHOID CELLS: BRIDGING BASIC BIOLOGY and DISEASE
Metin Yusuf Gelmez1, Fatma Betul Oktelik1, Aysenur Kokoglu1
1Istanbul University, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Immunology, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Immunology Letters
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are crucial for immune regulation and tissue homeostasis. This review explores ILC biology, their roles in diseases like asthma and IBD, and therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) lack antigen-specific receptors, distinguishing them from T and B cells.
- ILCs rapidly secrete effector cytokines, mirroring functions of CD4+ T helper lymphocytes.
- ILCs, including natural killer (NK) cells, are considered innate counterparts to adaptive T lymphocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of innate lymphoid cell (ILC) biology.
- To detail ILC functions across various tissues and their involvement in immune-mediated disorders.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting ILCs for next-generation immunotherapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on ILC biology and function.
- Analysis of ILC roles in tissue homeostasis, inflammation, and disease pathogenesis.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies, including cell-based approaches and biomarkers.
Main Results:
- ILCs are essential for tissue homeostasis, especially at mucosal surfaces.
- ILC dysregulation is linked to inflammatory, autoimmune, and allergic diseases.
- ILCs integrate diverse signals and play roles in tumor immunology, with context-dependent effects.
Conclusions:
- ILCs are pivotal in immune regulation, tissue homeostasis, and disease pathogenesis.
- Targeting ILCs offers significant therapeutic potential for immune-mediated disorders.
- Understanding ILCs is key to developing precision immunotherapies.