Runx/Cbfβ complexes protect group 2 innate lymphoid cells from exhausted-like hyporesponsiveness during allergic airway inflammation.

Miyamoto, Chizuko; Kojo, Satoshi; Yamashita, Motoi; Moro, Kazuyo; Lacaud, Georges; Shiroguchi, Katsuyuki; Taniuchi, Ichiro; Ebihara, Takashi · Nat Commun · 2019

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) have tissue-resident competence and contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. However, the mechanisms regulating prolonged ILC2-mediated T<sub>H</sub>2 cytokine production under chronic inflammatory conditions are unclear. Here we show that, at homeostasis, Runx deficiency induces excessive ILC2 activation due to overly active GATA-3 functions. By contrast, during allergic inflammation, the absence of Runx impairs the ability of ILC2s to proliferate and produce effector T<sub>H</sub>2 cytokines and chemokines. Instead, functional deletion of Runx induces the expression of exhaustion markers, such as IL-10 and TIGIT, on ILC2s. Finally, these 'exhausted-like' ILC2s are unable to induce type 2 immune responses to repeated allergen exposures. Thus, Runx confers competence for sustained ILC2 activity at the mucosa, and contributes to allergic pathogenesis.

Medical subject headings