Correlation between circulating innate lymphoid cell precursors and thymic function

ABSTRACT: Summary The thymus has a high capacity to support the differentiation of ILCs, especially when E protein transcription factors are ablated. Whether it contributes to the homeostasis of ILC pools in tissues is not clear. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis shows a substantial amount of ILC precursors in wild type but not athymic nude blood. The precursors express CD3 intracellularly (ic) but not on the surface. The abundance of Lin−CD127+CD62L+icCD3ε+ precursors varies with age, peaking at 2–3 months. These cells can differentiate into various ILC subsets on OP9-DL1 stroma in vitro. In the lung, small intestine, and epidermis, icCD3ε+ cells differentiate into diverse ILC subsets in different tissue environments in steady state. Helminth infection promotes their differentiation toward functional ILC2s. Thus, the thymus appears to play a role in replenishing ILC pools in different peripheral tissues. Because thymic activity is age-dependent, this finding may help explain age-related differences in immune responses. Graphical abstract Highlights • Single-cell RNA sequencing detects thymus-dependent (td) ILC precursors in the blood• Intracellular (ic) but not surface CD3ε marks td-ILCs in the blood and tissues• Blood td-ILCs differentiate into distinct ILC subsets in vitro• Helminth infection promotes the maturation of icCD3ε+ ILC2s Immunology; Components of the immune system; Omics; Transcriptomics;

SUBMITTER: Bajana S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8792071 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature