Innate lymphoid cell type 3 (ILC3) (ILC3)

Innate lymphoid cell type 3 (ILC3) is a subset of the innate lymphoid cell family defined by the expression of the master transcription factor RORγt and the production of effector cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 [Wikipedia, Dr.Oracle]. These cells are predominantly located at mucosal surfaces, such as the gut and lungs, where they serve as critical mediators of barrier integrity, tissue homeostasis, and defense against extracellular pathogens [JCI Insight, Wikipedia]. Dysregulation of ILC3s is implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and severe asthma, where they can drive pathological inflammation [PMC, ResearchGate]. Although ILC3 is a cell population rather than a single molecular target, it is a focal point for therapeutic intervention through the modulation of its regulatory pathways [JCI Insight, Trends in Cancer]. Current pharmacological strategies include the use of RORγt antagonists to suppress ILC3 activity and monoclonal antibodies targeting the IL-23/IL-17 axis to mitigate ILC3-driven inflammatory responses [PMC, ERS Publications]. Additionally, ILC3s play a role in the development of secondary lymphoid tissues and can influence the adaptive immune response through antigen presentation and cytokine signaling [Wikipedia, NIH].

Other names

Group 3 innate lymphoid cellsType 3 innate lymphoid cellsRORγt+ innate lymphoid cellsNCR+ ILC3NCR- ILC3Lymphoid tissue inducer cells

Modulation of ILC3 activity through RORγt antagonism, IL-23 signaling blockade, or IL-17 neutralization.