Tissue-resident lymphocytes that rapidly secrete cytokines but lack antigen-specific receptors.
ILC1, ILC2 and ILC3 mirror T helper subsets and respond to alarmins and cytokines in barrier tissues. They help in allergy, parasite defence and gut homeostasis.
ILCs lack antigen receptors but respond to cytokine signals and release effector cytokines. They maintain epithelial barriers.
Example: ILC3s produce IL-22 to protect gut lining.
Tissue-resident lymphocytes that rapidly secrete cytokines but lack antigen-specific receptors.
Innate Lymphoid Cells is one of the 52 topics in Immunology & Disease. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Immune System, Adaptive Immunity, Innate Immunity.
ILC2s produce IL-5 and IL-13 in asthma.
Work through the Beginner topics in Immunology & Disease first, such as Immune System, Viruses, Innate Immunity, then return to Innate Lymphoid Cells. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Innate Lymphoid Cells are Immune System, Adaptive Immunity, Innate Immunity, B Lymphocytes. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Innate Lymphoid Cells. To practise the whole of Immunology & Disease, use the Immunology & Disease quiz.
Innate Lymphoid Cells: Tissue-resident lymphocytes that rapidly secrete cytokines but lack antigen-specific receptors. Immune System: The body's defence network of cells, tissues and molecules that protects against pathogens. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Immune System and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Immunology & Disease quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
The body's defence network of cells, tissues and molecules that protects against pathogens.
🛡️ Immunology & DiseaseSlower, specific defence involving lymphocytes that remember pathogens.
🛡️ Immunology & DiseaseRapid, non-specific defences such as skin, mucus, phagocytes and inflammation.
🛡️ Immunology & DiseaseCells that mature into plasma cells producing antibodies and into memory B cells.
🛡️ Immunology & Disease