The transcription factor GATA-3 controls cell fate and maintenance of type 2 innate lymphoid cells.
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) reside at mucosal surfaces and control immunity to intestinal infections. Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) produce cytokines such as IL-5 and IL-13, are required for immune defense against helminth infections, and are involved in the pathogenesis of airway hyperreactivity. Here, we have investigated the role of the transcription factor GATA-3 for ILC2 differentiation and maintenance. We showed that ILC2s and their lineage-specified bone marrow precursors (ILC2Ps), as identified here, were characterized by continuous high expression of GATA-3. Analysis of mice with temporary deletion of GATA-3 in all ILCs showed that GATA-3 was required for the differentiation and maintenance of ILC2s but not for RORγt(+) ILCs. Thus, our data demonstrate that GATA-3 is essential for ILC2 fate decisions and reveal similarities between the transcriptional programs controlling ILC and T helper cell fates.
IMMH, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Freiburg, Germany.
Thomas
T
Hoyler
Christoph S N
CS
Klose
Abdallah
A
Souabni
Adriana
A
Turqueti-Neves
Dietmar
D
Pfeifer
Emma L
EL
Rawlins
David
D
Voehringer
Meinrad
M
Busslinger
Andreas
A
Diefenbach
D000818:Animals; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000276:immunology; D019070:Cell Lineage; D002465:Cell Movement; D050990:GATA3 Transcription Factor / Q000276:immunology*; D055106:Genome-Wide Association Study; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007422:Intestines / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology
D050990:GATA3 Transcription Factor; C494748:Gata3 protein, mouse; C451496:Klrg1 protein, mouse; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic