Alternative activation generates IL-10 producing type 2 innate lymphoid cells

Nat Commun. 2017 Dec 1;8(1):1900. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-02023-z.

Abstract

Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) share cytokine and transcription factor expression with CD4+ Th2 cells, but functional diversity of the ILC2 lineage has yet to be fully explored. Here, we show induction of a molecularly distinct subset of activated lung ILC2, termed ILC210. These cells produce IL-10 and downregulate some pro-inflammatory genes. Signals that generate ILC210 are distinct from those that induce IL-13 production, and gene expression data indicate that an alternative activation pathway leads to the generation of ILC210. In vivo, IL-2 enhances ILC210 generation and is associated with decreased eosinophil recruitment to the lung. Unlike most activated ILC2, the ILC210 population contracts after cessation of stimulation in vivo, with maintenance of a subset that can be recalled by restimulation, analogous to T-cell effector cell and memory cell generation. These data demonstrate the generation of a previously unappreciated IL-10 producing ILC2 effector cell population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • Interleukin-10 / genetics
  • Interleukin-10 / immunology
  • Interleukin-13 / genetics
  • Interleukin-13 / immunology
  • Interleukin-2 / genetics
  • Interleukin-2 / immunology
  • Lung / cytology
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Th2 Cells / immunology

Substances

  • Interleukin-13
  • Interleukin-2
  • Interleukin-10