Interleukin-22-Producing Natural Killer Cells and Lymphoid Tissue Inducer-like Cells in Mucosal Immunity

Blood, lymphoid tissues, and placenta contain diverse subpopulations of natural killer (NK) cells that possess distinct immune functions. Recent studies have shown that human and mouse gut-associated lymphoid tissues harbor a unique NK cell subset that specializes in production of interleukin (IL)-2...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Immunity (Cambridge, Mass.) Mass.), 2009-07, Vol.31 (1), p.15-23
Main Author: Colonna, Marco
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Antigens
Autoimmune diseases
Cell Differentiation - immunology
Chemokines
Cytokines - immunology
Cytokines - metabolism
Humans
Immune system
Immunity, Innate
Immunity, Mucosal
Infections
Interleukin-22
Interleukin-23 - immunology
Interleukin-23 - metabolism
Interleukins - immunology
Interleukins - metabolism
Intestinal Mucosa - immunology
Intestinal Mucosa - metabolism
Killer Cells, Natural - immunology
Killer Cells, Natural - metabolism
Ligands
Studies
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Summary:Blood, lymphoid tissues, and placenta contain diverse subpopulations of natural killer (NK) cells that possess distinct immune functions. Recent studies have shown that human and mouse gut-associated lymphoid tissues harbor a unique NK cell subset that specializes in production of interleukin (IL)-22. This cytokine plays a role in host defense of mucosal barriers, although dysregulated secretion may cause autoimmune disease. In parallel, human fetal lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells and mouse adult LTi-like cells in secondary lymphoid tissues were found to release IL-22, as well as IL-17, a proinflammatory cytokine that mediates host defense against extracellular pathogens. Here, we compare these recently identified immune cells, reviewing what is known about their anatomical location, differentiation requirements, function, and potential involvement in host defense and autoimmunity. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced in furthering our understanding of the developmental relationships and role of NK and LTi-like cells in mucosal immune responses.
ISSN:1074-7613
1097-4180
DOI:10.1016/j.immuni.2009.06.008