# Non-redundant functions of type 3 innate lymphoid cells in mucosal immunity

> **NIH NIH R01** · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2021 · $483,037

## Abstract

Type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) perform multiple functions in host physiology. However, most of these
functions have been elucidated in the context of T cell depletion. There is an extensive overlap of regulatory
and functional networks between ILC3 and Th17 cells and how these two cell types contribute to immunity
is unclear. Identification of non-redundant functions of ILC3 has been impeded by the lack of ILC3 depletion
models that preserve normal T cell development and differentiation. To address this gap in knowledge, we
created the first model in which ILC3 development is prevented, but B and T cell development and T cell
differentiation is normal. Using this model we demonstrate a non-redundant function of ILC3 in mucosal
protection against an intestinal pathogen. We will examine the specific mechanism of this protection, as
well as identify novel T cell-independent functions of ILC3. Moreover, we will uncouple the role of LTi in
lymph node and Peyer’s patch development from the role of adult lamina propria ILC3. We will also
investigate the role of ILC3 in regulating homeostasis with the intestinal microbiota. Overall, our studies
will elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling non-redundant ILC3 functions in both
maintaining a healthy gut and regulating infectious intestinal inflammation. We expect the results to lead
to the development of more specific strategies for targeting ILC3 and Th17 cells to improve intestinal
immune dysbalance or prevent pathologic intestinal inflammation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10122892
- **Project number:** 5R01AI144808-03
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Ivaylo Ivanov Ivanov
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $483,037
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-04-01 → 2023-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10122892

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10122892, Non-redundant functions of type 3 innate lymphoid cells in mucosal immunity (5R01AI144808-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10122892. Licensed CC0.

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