Abstract

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are immune cells that lack a specific antigen receptor yet can produce an array of effector cytokines that in variety match those of T helper cell subsets. ILCs function in lymphoid organogenesis, tissue remodeling, antimicrobial immunity, and inflammation, particularly at barrier surfaces. Their ability to promptly respond to microbial insults signifies the critical role of ILC in first-line immunological defenses. In this lecture I will discuss the main characteristics and the immunological functions of Rorγt-expressing ILC that are involved in lymphoid tissue formation, mucosal immunity and perhaps also in formation of tertiary lymphoid tissues during chronic inflammation.