In 2010, the innate lymphoid cell family expanded with the discovery of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). ILC2s are a new subset of lymphoid cells they have a wide range of functions including anti-helminth responses, tissue repair (via the release of amphiregulin), and metabolic homeostasis. ILC2s lack a receptor that recognizes antigens; instead ILC2s have receptors for various cytokines and non-cytokine molecules - neuropeptides, and lipid mediators – which rapidly activate ILC2s. Since their discovery ILC2s have been shown to have a significant role in the pathogenesis of many conditions like asthma, skin conditions, and tumour growth. Activated ILC2s produce type 2 cytokines (such as IL-5 and IL-13) which contribute to the pathogenesis of allergenic and eosinophilic conditions.
Recent studies suggest that ILC2s are not a homogenous population, but rather heterogeneous population of cells. Multiple studies have demonstrated that ILC2s show plasticity depending on the surrounding milieu, with diverse functions in the lungs, guts, skin, and metabolic tissues (liver and adipose tissue). Furthermore, it has also been discovered that on top of the ILC2s that were discovered in 2010 (natural ILC2) a different types of ILC2s also exist, inflammatory ILC2.
Recently, new methods such as single-cell analysis, are revealing the diversity of ILC2s. Identifying the diversity of ILC2s is essential as it may lead to the identification of more selective targets in ILC2-related diseases and subsequently may lead to an improvement in treatment.
In this research topic, we welcome original research and (mini-)review articles on ILC2s, in particular focusing on the heterogeneity of ILC2. Our priority is human research, but we are also open to animal studies. Our focus is on research that includes:
• The pathogenesis associated with ILC2 subtypes
• The phenotypes of ILC2 within different tissue environments
• The role of ILC2s in type 2 immune responses
• The different activators of ILC2 and resultant subtypes
• Immune homeostasis and ILC2s
Topic Editor Koichi Fukunaga received financial support from Boehringer Ingelheim, Ono Pharmaceutical, Chugai Pharmaceutical, and Taiho Pharmaceutical The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.
In 2010, the innate lymphoid cell family expanded with the discovery of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). ILC2s are a new subset of lymphoid cells they have a wide range of functions including anti-helminth responses, tissue repair (via the release of amphiregulin), and metabolic homeostasis. ILC2s lack a receptor that recognizes antigens; instead ILC2s have receptors for various cytokines and non-cytokine molecules - neuropeptides, and lipid mediators – which rapidly activate ILC2s. Since their discovery ILC2s have been shown to have a significant role in the pathogenesis of many conditions like asthma, skin conditions, and tumour growth. Activated ILC2s produce type 2 cytokines (such as IL-5 and IL-13) which contribute to the pathogenesis of allergenic and eosinophilic conditions.
Recent studies suggest that ILC2s are not a homogenous population, but rather heterogeneous population of cells. Multiple studies have demonstrated that ILC2s show plasticity depending on the surrounding milieu, with diverse functions in the lungs, guts, skin, and metabolic tissues (liver and adipose tissue). Furthermore, it has also been discovered that on top of the ILC2s that were discovered in 2010 (natural ILC2) a different types of ILC2s also exist, inflammatory ILC2.
Recently, new methods such as single-cell analysis, are revealing the diversity of ILC2s. Identifying the diversity of ILC2s is essential as it may lead to the identification of more selective targets in ILC2-related diseases and subsequently may lead to an improvement in treatment.
In this research topic, we welcome original research and (mini-)review articles on ILC2s, in particular focusing on the heterogeneity of ILC2. Our priority is human research, but we are also open to animal studies. Our focus is on research that includes:
• The pathogenesis associated with ILC2 subtypes
• The phenotypes of ILC2 within different tissue environments
• The role of ILC2s in type 2 immune responses
• The different activators of ILC2 and resultant subtypes
• Immune homeostasis and ILC2s
Topic Editor Koichi Fukunaga received financial support from Boehringer Ingelheim, Ono Pharmaceutical, Chugai Pharmaceutical, and Taiho Pharmaceutical The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.