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The balance of power: innate lymphoid cells in tissue inflammation and repair
Jim G. Castellanos, Randy S. Longman
Jim G. Castellanos, Randy S. Longman
Published June 10, 2019
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2019;129(7):2640-2650. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI124617.
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Review Series

The balance of power: innate lymphoid cells in tissue inflammation and repair

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Abstract

Over the last ten years, immunologists have recognized the central importance of an emerging group of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in health and disease. Characterization of these cells has provided a molecular definition of ILCs and their tissue-specific functions. Although the lineage-defining transcription factors, cytokine production, and nomenclature parallel those of T helper cells, ILCs do not require adaptive immune programming. Both environmental and host-derived signals shape the function of these evolutionarily ancient cells, which provide pathogen protection and promote tissue restoration. As such, ILCs function as a double-edged sword, balancing the inflammatory and reparative responses that arise during injury and disease. This Review highlights our recent understanding of tissue-resident ILCs and the signals that regulate their contribution to inflammation and tissue repair in health and disease.

Authors

Jim G. Castellanos, Randy S. Longman

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Figure 1

Tissue ILCs limit inflammation and promote restoration.

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Tissue ILCs limit inflammation and promote restoration.
ILCs serve as ce...
ILCs serve as central mediators limiting inflammation from infectious and environmental triggers. Dietary as well as neuronal factors coordinate the response of ILC2s and ILC3s in the lamina propria. LTi cells play a critical role in restoring lymphoid tissue following viral infection. AREG, IL-22, and PCTR1 promote tissue repair and limit the impact of inflammation in the tissue. AIEC, adherent-invasive E. coli; GFL, GDNF family ligands; SMC, smooth muscle cell.

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