# Regulation of Enteric Nervous System Function by Group 3 Innate Lymphoid Cells

> **NIH NIH F32** · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · 2024 · $76,756

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is critical for controlling key intestinal functions such as peristalsis and nutrient
absorption. Emerging paradigms indicate that interactions between neurons and immune cells fundamentally
impact immunity and inflammation in peripheral tissues. Recently, it has been shown that the ENS can act on
the intestinal immune system to modify the function of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). However, despite these
advances, the role of ILCs in ENS function remains unexplored. In my preliminary studies, I defined that ILCs
are genetically poised to interact with the ENS and support their development or function. By examining a specific
factor produce by ILCs, I defined how it is regulated and developed a lineage-specific knockout to demonstrate
this pathway plays a role in augmenting the ENS. To goals of this proposal are, in Aim 1, to utilize in vivo and ex
vivo models to determine the molecular mechanisms that regulate ILCs and associated factors, and, in Aim 2,
to determine the cellular mechanisms by which ILC-derived factors impacts the ENS and the importance of this
interaction in maintaining ENS homeostasis during inflammation. Collectively, these two aims will critically define
a novel molecular mechanism by which ILCs impact ENS function in states of intestinal health and disease,
which could provoke novel preventative, therapeutic or curative strategies. Further, it will create an outstanding
training opportunity for my continued development in science and eventual transition to become an independent
academic researcher.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10808903
- **Project number:** 5F32DK136248-02
- **Recipient organization:** WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV
- **Principal Investigator:** Jordan Zheng Zhou
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $76,756
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-04-01 → 2026-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10808903

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10808903, Regulation of Enteric Nervous System Function by Group 3 Innate Lymphoid Cells (5F32DK136248-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10808903. Licensed CC0.

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