The transcription factor GATA3 is critical for the development of all IL-7R?-expressing innate lymphoid cells.

ABSTRACT: Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are critical in innate immune responses to pathogens and lymphoid organ development. Similar to CD4(+) T helper (Th) cell subsets, ILC subsets positive for interleukin-7 receptor ? (IL-7R?) produce distinct sets of effector cytokines. However, the molecular control of IL-7R?(+) ILC development and maintenance is unclear. Here, we report that GATA3 was indispensable for the development of all IL-7R?(+) ILC subsets and T cells but was not required for the development of classical natural killer cells. Conditionally Gata3-deficient mice had no lymph nodes and were susceptible to Citrobactor rodentium infection. After the ILCs had fully developed, GATA3 remained important for the maintenance and functions of ILC2s. Genome-wide gene expression analyses indicated that GATA3 regulated a similar set of cytokines and receptors in Th2 cells and ILC2s, but not in ILC3s. Thus, GATA3 plays parallel roles in regulating the development and functions of CD4(+) T cells and IL-7R?(+) ILCs.

SUBMITTER: Yagi R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4026797 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature