Human CD127 negative ILC2s show immunological memory

Abstract

ILC2s are key players in type 2 immunity and contribute to maintaining homeostasis. ILC2s are also implicated in the development of type 2 inflammation–mediated chronic disorders like asthma. While memory ILC2s have been identified in mouse, it is unknown whether human ILC2s can acquire immunological memory. Here, we demonstrate the persistence of CD45RO, a marker previously linked to inflammatory ILC2s, in resting ILC2s that have undergone prior activation. A high proportion of these cells concurrently reduce the expression of the canonical ILC marker CD127 in a tissue-specific manner. Upon isolation and in vitro stimulation of CD127−CD45RO+ ILC2s, we observed an augmented ability to proliferate and produce cytokines. CD127−CD45RO+ ILC2s are found in both healthy and inflamed tissues and display a gene signature of cell activation. Similarly, mouse memory ILC2s show reduced expression of CD127. Our findings suggest that human ILC2s can acquire innate immune memory and warrant a revision of the current strategies to identify human ILC2s.