title: Natural killer cell receptor-expressing innate lymphocytes: more than just NK cells.
abstract: Recently, additional subsets that extend the family of innate lymphocytes have been discovered. Among these newly identified innate lymphoid cells is a subset sharing phenotypic characteristics of natural killer cells and lymphoid tissue inducer cells. These cells co-express the transcription factor RORγt and activating NK cell receptors (NKR), but their lineage and functional qualities remain poorly defined. Here, we discuss recent proposals to place these NKR(+)RORγt(+) innate lymphocytes on hematopoietic lineage maps. An overview of the transcriptional circuitry determining fate decisions of innate lymphocytes and a summary of current concepts concerning plasticity and stability of innate lymphocyte effector fates are provided. We will conclude by discussing the function of RORγt-expressing innate lymphocytes during inflammatory bowel diseases and in the immune response to tumors.
authors: IMMH, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
authors: Arthur
authors: A
authors: Mortha
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Diefenbach
mesh_terms: D019070:Cell Lineage; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D057132:Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3 / Q000378:metabolism; D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell / Q000378:metabolism*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D057132:Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3; D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell