IL-5-producing group 2 innate lymphoid cells promote T cell-independent IgA production in cooperation with eosinophils.

Abstract

Intestinal bacteria play a critical role in the regulation of the host immune system and an imbalance in intestinal bacterial composition induces various host diseases. Therefore, maintaining a balance in the intestinal bacterial composition is crucial for health. Immunoglobulin A (IgA), produced through T cell-dependent and T cell-independent (TI) pathways, is essential for host defense against pathogen invasion and maintaining the balance of intestinal symbiotic bacteria. Interleukin (IL)-5 is constitutively produced by group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) and plays a critical role in the survival and proliferation of B cells and eosinophils. Here, we show that the role of IL-5-producing ILC2s in intestinal TI IgA production at steady state using TCRα deficient mice. In this mouse model, ILC2s increased fecal TI IgA levels in a non-inflammatory state in an IL-5-dependent manner. The administration of recombinant IL-33 (rIL-33) increased the amount of TI IgA production, accompanied by an increase in the number of IL-5-producing ILC2s in the large intestine. In addition, rIL-33 treatment increased IL-5-dependent IgA+ cells in isolated lymphoid follicles, the site of TI IgA production. Furthermore, eosinophils recruited by ILC2s were required for the maximal production of IgA in the TI pathway. Moreover, IL-5 increased the frequency of TI IgA-binding intestinal bacteria and was involved in the maintenance of intestinal bacterial composition. These findings indicate that IL-5-producing ILC2s together with eosinophils contribute to TI IgA production. In addition to their role in TI IgA production, IL-5-producing ILC2s may contribute to the homeostasis of intestinal commensal bacteria.