IL-1beta, IL-23, and TGF-beta drive plasticity of human ILC2s towards IL-17-producing ILCs in nasal inflammation

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are crucial for the immune surveillance at mucosal sites. ILCs coordinate early eradication of pathogens and contribute to tissue healing and remodelling, features that are dysfunctional in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The mechanisms by which ILCs contribute to CF-immunopathology are ill-defined. Here, we report that group 2 ILCs (ILC2s) transdifferentiated into IL-17-secreting cells in the presence of the epithelial derived-cytokines IL-1β, IL-23 and TGF-β. This conversion was abrogated by IL-4 or vitamin D3. IL-17 producing ILC2s induced IL-8 secretion by epithelial cells and their presence in nasal polyps of CF patients is associated with neutrophilia. Our data suggest that ILC2s undergo transdifferentiation in CF nasal polyps in response to local cytokines, which are induced by infectious agents. 9 samples of 1 cell type, 3 conditions with 3 replicates