Human NKp44(+)IL-22(+) cells and LTi-like cells constitute a stable RORC+ lineage distinct from conventional natural killer cells

NK Crellin, S Trifari, CD Kaplan, Tom Cupedo, H Spits

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228 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells are required for lymph node formation during fetal development, and recent evidence implies a role in mucosal immunity in the adult. LTi cells share some phenotypic features of conventional natural killer (NK; cNK) cells; however, little is known to date about the relationship between these two cell types. We show that lineage(-) (Lin(-)) CD127(+) RORC+ LTi-like cells in human tonsil are precursors to CD56(+)CD127(+)RORC(+)NKp46(+) cells, which together comprise a stable RORC+ lineage. We find that LTi-like cells and their CD56(+) progeny can be expanded and cloned ex vivo without loss of function and without conversion into cNK cells. Clonal analysis reveals heterogeneity of cytokine production within the CD127(+) LTi-like population. Furthermore, we identify within the tonsil a cNK precursor population that is characterized as Lin. CD117(+)CD161(+)CD127(-) cells. Overall, we propose that CD127(+) RORC+ cells, although they share some characteristics with cNK cells, represent a functionally and developmentally distinct lineage.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)281-290
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine
Volume207
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

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  • EMC MM-02-41-04

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