Figure 2.

Transcription factors, cytokine receptors, and other molecules expressed in human IL-22–producing ILCs. (A) Expression of RORC2, AHR, TBX21, and Eomes was measured by real-time qPCR from HSC-derived cNK cells (CD56⁺CD94⁺CD7^+/−CD117^lowLFA-1⁺) and ILC22 cells (CD56⁺CD94⁻CD7⁻CD117^highLFA-1⁺) after sorting. In ILC22 cells AHR and RORγt are highly expressed but are lower-expressed or absent in cNK cells. T-bet and Eomes expression is higher in CD56⁺LFA-1⁺ cNK cells. Transcripts in cNK cells were used as reference samples for relative quantification in ILC22 (ΔΔCT method, n = 3). (B) HSC-derived CD56⁺LFA-1⁻ ILC22 but not cNK cells show expression of IL-1R1 and CD25 and CD117. (C) In addition to IL-22, CD56⁺LFA-1⁻ ILC22 cells (left) express IL-8, GM-CSF (intracellular), and OX40 ligand (surface) when stimulated with IL-1β+23 (10 ng/ml each for 6 hours). Intracellular BAFF expression is detected in CD56⁺LFA-1⁻ ILC22 cells without cytokine stimulation. All of the above were not detected on cNK cells (right). Gray-filled histograms are mouse immunoglobulin G, dotted lines are unstimulated, and solid lines are stimulated. Results are representative of 10 donors. IgG, immunoglobulin G.