CD1d-mediated activation of group 3 innate lymphoid cells drives IL-22 production

Abstract

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a heterogeneous family of immune cells that play a critical role in a variety of immune processes including host defence against infection, wound healing and tissue repair. Whether these cells are involved in lipid-dependent immunity remains unexplored. Here we show that murine ILCs from a variety of tissues express the lipid-presenting molecule CD1d, with group 3 ILCs (ILC3s) showing the highest level of expression. Within the ILC3 family, natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor (NCR) CCR6+ cells displayed the highest levels of CD1d. Expression of CD1d on ILCs is functionally relevant as ILC3s can acquire lipids in vitro and in vivo and load lipids on CD1d to mediate presentation to the T-cell receptor of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. Conversely, engagement of CD1d in vitro and administration of lipid antigen in vivo induce ILC3 activation and production of IL-22. Taken together, our data expose a previously unappreciated role for ILCs in CD1d-mediated immunity, which can modulate tissue homeostasis and inflammatory responses.