Intraepithelial Type 1 Innate Lymphoid Cells Are a Unique Subset of IL-12- and IL-15-Responsive IFN-γ-Producing Cells

SummaryMucosal innate lymphoid cell (ILC) subsets promote immune responses to pathogens by producing distinct signature cytokines in response to changes in the cytokine microenvironment. We previously identified human ILC3 distinguished by interleukin-22 (IL-22) secretion. Here we characterized a human ILC1 subset that produced interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in response to IL-12 and IL-15 and had a unique integrin profile, intraepithelial location, hallmarks of TGF-β imprinting, and a memory-activated phenotype. Because tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells share this profile, intraepithelial ILC1 may be their innate counterparts. In mice, intraepithelial ILC1 were distinguished by CD160 expression and required Nfil3- and Tbx21-encoded transcription factors for development, but not IL-15 receptor-α, indicating that intraepithelial ILC1 are distinct from conventional NK cells. Intraepithelial ILC1 were amplified in Crohn’s disease patients and contributed to pathology in the anti-CD40-induced colitis model in mice. Thus, intraepithelial ILC1 may initiate IFN-γ responses against pathogens but contribute to pathology when dysregulated.

► Characterization of human and mouse intraepithelial ILC1 as distinct from NK cells
► Intraepithelial ILC1 are a prompt source of IFN-γ in response to IL-12 and IL-15
► Human intraepithelial ILC1 are increased in Crohn’s disease patients
► Mouse intraepithelial ILC1 contribute to pathology during anti-CD40-induced colitis