Human innate lymphoid cells

•ILC1, ILC2, and ILC3 have been identified in humans.•The NK- and ILC3-committed precursors have been identified.•Eomes+ NK cell differentiation is supported by IL-15.•RORγt+ ILC3 differentiation is supported by SCF, IL-7, and AhR.

The interest in innate lymphoid cells (ILC) has rapidly grown during the last decade. ILC include distinct cell types that are collectively involved in host protection against pathogens and tumor cells and in the regulation of tissue homeostasis. Studies in mice enabled a broad characterization of ILC function and of their developmental requirements. In humans all mature ILC subsets have been characterized and their role in the pathogenesis of certain disease is emerging. Nonetheless, still limited information is available on human ILC development. Indeed, only the cell precursors committed toward NK cells or ILC3 have been described. Here, we review the most recent finding on human mature ILC, discussing their tissue localization and function. Moreover, we summarize the available data regarding human ILC development.