Book Description

Cell lineages derived from common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) play a critical role in antigen recognition, acute and long term protection against pathogens, and maintenance of immune homeostasis. CLPs give rise to adaptive immune cells that bear unique antigen receptors and to innate immune cells that perform non-redundant roles, particularly during early effector responses, by facilitating local immunity and shaping the ensuing adaptive response. Recent discoveries indicate that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) exert essential modulatory effects in normal and pathological responses. Because adaptive and innate lymphoid cells share transcription factors, cytokines, and molecular surface markers, it is essential to dissect the contribution of innate lymphoid cell subsets to immune tolerance, maintenance of tissue homeostasis and during the development of inflammatory responses. In this research topic we will focus on the functional diversity and individual roles that the variety of innate lymphoid cell subsets perform in steady state as well as in different pathological conditions including infection and autoimmunity. This will contribute to the generation of a more comprehensive and integrated view of how these cells interact with the environment, collaborate with other cells and regulate tissue homeostasis and immunity in a context-dependent manner. We welcome Original Research, Review, and Mini-review articles related to, but not limited to the following topics: 1. Innate lymphoid cell development and migration 2. Characterization and identification of signals controlling innate lymphoid differentiation and function 3. Molecular interactions between innate lymphoid cells and other immune and non-immune subsets 4. Role of ILCs in tissue homeostasis 5. Role of ILCs in pathology We acknowledge the initiation and support of this Research Topic by the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS). We hereby state publicly that the IUIS has had no editorial input in articles included in this Research Topic, thus ensuring that all aspects of this Research Topic are evaluated objectively, unbiased by any specific policy or opinion of the IUIS.