Neuro-ILC Interactions in Host Physiology and Defence

Abstract

Over the past decade, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have emerged as key partners of neuroimmune interactions. Bidirectional interactions between ILCs and the peripheral nervous system regulate mucosal barrier homeostasis, inflammation, and defence. Recent findings indicated that neuro-ILC circuits also operate in the liver, adipose tissue, skin, and systemically, regulating a wide range of physiological processes. Notably, brain regions and peripheral neural circuits were shown to regulate tissue neuro-ILC interactions, shedding light on immunoregulatory brain–body axes. Here, we review recent insights into tissue, organ, and systemic neuro-ILC circuits. We highlight neuroimmune brain–body and inter-organ communication axes integrating external environmental cues and internal body states to coordinate host physiology. Finally, we discuss how these recent findings are positioning neuro-ILC circuits at the centre stage of body physiology and defence, with profound implications in the understanding of health and disease.