Autocrine TGF-β1 drives tissue-specific differentiation and function of resident NK cells.

ABSTRACT: Group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) encompass NK cells and ILC1s, which have non-redundant roles in host protection against pathogens and cancer. Despite their circulating nature, NK cells can establish residency in selected tissues during ontogeny, forming a distinct functional subset. The mechanisms that initiate, maintain, and regulate the conversion of NK cells into tissue-resident NK (trNK) cells are currently not well understood. Here, we identify autocrine transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) as a cell-autonomous driver for NK cell tissue residency across multiple glandular tissues during development. Cell-intrinsic production of TGF-β was continuously required for the maintenance of trNK cells and synergized with Hobit to enhance cytotoxic function. Whereas autocrine TGF-β was red

SUBMITTER: Sparano C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11654236 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature