CD62L Is a Functional and Phenotypic Marker for Circulating Innate Lymphoid Cell Precursors

J Immunol. 2019 Jan 1;202(1):171-182. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701153. Epub 2018 Nov 30.

Abstract

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) guard epithelial tissue integrity during homeostasis, but can be potent immune effector cells during inflammation. Precursors to all ILC subsets (ILC precursors [ILCP]) have been identified in human peripheral blood (PB). We found that during homeostasis, ILCP in PB of mouse and human expressed homing receptors for secondary lymphoid organs, mainly CD62L. These ILCP entered mouse lymph nodes in a CD62L-dependent way and relied on S1P receptors for their exit. Importantly, CD62L expression was absent on human ILCs expressing NKp44 in tonsils and PB of Crohn disease patients, and relatively fewer CD62L+ ILCP were present in PB of Crohn disease patients. These data are in agreement with selective expression of CD62L on nonactivated ILCP. As such, we conclude that CD62L not only serves as a functional marker of ILCP, but has potential to be used in the clinic as a diagnostic marker in inflammatory disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Cells / immunology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Crohn Disease / immunology*
  • Female
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • L-Selectin / genetics
  • L-Selectin / metabolism*
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Lymphoid Progenitor Cells / physiology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 2 / metabolism
  • Receptors, Lysosphingolipid / metabolism

Substances

  • Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 2
  • Receptors, Lysosphingolipid
  • L-Selectin