Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are immune cells present in the intestinal mucosa and are key players in the fight against pathogens and in the maintenance of the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Recently, it has become clear that ILCs also have non immunological functions, for instance type 3 innate lymphocytes have an essential role in regulating nutrient absorption by intestinal epithelial cells. Food intake, result in major transcriptional changes in the intestinal epithelial layer as well as in the induction of transient immune response. In this project, we are interested in understanding what is the role of type 3 innate lymphocytes in regulating the post feeding inflammation by regulating intestinal epithelial cell function. Taking advantage of single cell RNA sequencing and mice lacking type 3 innate lymphocytes, we would like to understand how these cells regulate intestinal epithelial cell function following different dietary restrictions.
Related team publications: