Neuropilin-1 mediates lung tissue-specific control of ILC2 function in type 2 immunity

ILC2s are heterogeneous, dependent on tissue location. Here the authors show that TGF beta-induced neuropilin-1 specifically marks lung ILC2s and controls their function in pulmonary fibrosis by inducing expression of the ST2 IL-33 receptor. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are highly heterogeneous tissue-resident lymphocytes that regulate inflammation and tissue homeostasis in health and disease. However, how these cells integrate into the tissue microenvironment to perform tissue-specific functions is unclear. Here, we show neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), which is induced postnatally and sustained by lung-derived transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF beta 1), is a tissue-specific marker of lung ILC2s. Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of Nrp1 suppresses IL-5 and IL-13 production by ILC2s and protects mice from the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Mechanistically, TGF beta 1-Nrp1 signaling enhances ILC2 function and type 2 immunity by upregulating IL-33 receptor ST2 expression. These findings identify Nrp1 as a tissue-specific regulator of lung-resident ILC2s and highlight Nrp1 as a potential therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis.

Automated summary

This study identifies neuropilin-1 (Nrp1) as a tissue-specific marker of lung-resident ILC2s, which enhances their function and type 2 immune response by upregulating IL-33 receptor ST2 expression. Inhibition of Nrp1 suppresses IL-5 and IL-13 production by ILC2s and protects mice from the development of pulmonary fibrosis.