Innate Lymphoid Cells: Regulators of Gut Barrier Function and Immune Homeostasis

Figure 5

Illustration of crosstalk of ILC2 and ILC3 with neurons in helminth infection and gut inflammation, respectively. This image was modified from Reference [54]. Enteric cholinergic neuron-derived NMU activates ILC2 responses and protects against helminth infection. Lamina propria ILC2 function is also regulated by VIP and NE. Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factors stimulate IL-22 production by lamina propria ILC3s, promoting barrier integrity. SNS-derived NE induces a tissue-protective phenotype (M2) in muscularis macrophages. Abbreviations: AMP: antimicrobial peptide; NE: norepinephrine; NMU: neuromedin U; NMUR: neuromedin U receptor; SNS: sympathetic nervous system; GFL: glia cell-derived neurotrophic factor ligand; VIP: vasoactive intestinal peptide; VPAC2: vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2.