Type 3 innate lymphoid cells: Guardians of epithelial barriers : Type 3 innate lymfoïde cellen: Bewakers van epitheliale barrieres

textabstractIn the past few years, an emerging group of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) \nhas been identified in mucosa I tissues. ILCs are found close to epithelial \nbarriers, where they constitute a major source of the homeostatic \ncytokine interleukin 22. ILC cytokine profiles resemble those produced by \nhelper T cells, yet they lack antigen specificity and provide a quicker \nimmune response. Recent studies brought to light a previously \nunappreciated role of ILCs in protecting against enteric pathogens and \npromoting homeostasis in mucosal tissues. However, the role of ILCs in \ntissue damage in the absence of pathogenic infections remains unknown. \nThis thesis aims to investigate the contribution of type 3 innate lymphoid \ncells (ILC3) in intestinal epithelial damage responses. Activation \nmechanisms and effector functions of ILC3 will be discussed in the \ncontext of intestinal damage.