Group 3 innate lymphoid cell (ILC3)

Group 3 innate lymphoid cell (ILC3) is a subset of tissue-resident innate immune cells characterized by the expression of the transcription factor RORγt and production of cytokines such as IL-17 and IL-22[1][4][6][7]. ILC3s are crucial effectors in mucosal and barrier tissue immune responses, maintaining tissue homeostasis, supporting host-commensal mutualism, and providing rapid defense against extracellular pathogens[1][6][7]. They are developmentally and functionally heterogeneous, comprising subtypes based on their expression of surface markers (NCR+ ILC3, NCR− ILC3, and LTi-like ILC3)[1][4]. ILC3s both directly and indirectly modulate adaptive immunity (including T-cell and B-cell responses), participate in tissue repair, and are implicated in the regulation and pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases like IBD and asthma[2][3][5]. As cellular targets, modulating their activity (or the cytokines they produce) is under investigation for therapies in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, but specific approaches must balance efficacy with maintenance of mucosal defense and tissue integrity[2][4][5]. **Note**: ILC3 is a cell type, not a single molecular target such as a receptor or enzyme, so molecular classification and drug targeting entries above reflect this distinction.

Other names

ILC3Type 3 innate lymphoid cellGroup 3 ILCLymphoid tissue–inducer (LTi) cell (subset)NCR+ ILC3 (subset)NCR− ILC3 (subset)

Modulation of cytokine pathways (e.g., blocking IL-17, IL-22, or IL-23 signaling inhibits downstream inflammatory responses driven by ILC3s) and Inhibition of ILC3 plasticity or cytokine production for therapeutic purposes in diseases like IBD and asthma[2][5].