Group 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2)

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are tissue-resident innate immune cells derived from common lymphoid progenitors, lacking antigen-specific receptors. They orchestrate type 2 immune responses by rapidly producing cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13 upon activation by epithelial cell-derived alarmins (IL-25, IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoietin). ILC2s contribute to barrier immunity, allergic inflammation (asthma, rhinitis, food allergy), tissue remodeling, and repair. They are a major non-redundant source of type 2 cytokines and support B cell development and antibody responses at mucosal surfaces. Therapeutically, modulation of ILC2s is being investigated for inflammatory diseases, with approved and investigational drugs targeting cytokines upstream of ILC2 activation. ILC2s present both beneficial effects (host defense, repair) and pathogenic roles (asthma, allergy, cancer), making them a double-edged sword in immunotherapy.

Other names

Type 2 innate lymphoid cellNatural helper cellNuocyteInnate helper 2 cell

Blocking activation of ILC2s via cytokines (e.g., IL-33, IL-25, TSLP antagonism reduces ILC2-driven inflammation) and downregulation of type 2 cytokine production (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13).