Group 2 innate lymphoid cells and their surrounding environment

Abstract

Since the discovery of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in 2010, subsequent studies have revealed their developmental pathways, mechanisms of activation and regulation, and immunological roles in tissue homeostasis and tissue-specific diseases in various organs. Although ILC2s are known to express tissue-specific features depending on where they reside, how the surrounding environment affects the functions of ILC2s remains to be fully elucidated. Recent histologic analyses revealed that ILC2s resides in specific perivascular regions in peripheral tissues with their function being controlled by the surrounding cells via cytokines, lipid mediators, neurotransmitters, and cell–cell interactions through surface molecules. This review summarizes the interactions between ILC2s and surrounding cells, including epithelial cells, neurons, immune cells, and mesenchymal cells, with the objective of promoting the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for ILC2-related diseases.