Standing Guard: Innate Lymphoid Cells Promote Immunity and Tissue Homeostasis at Barrier Surfaces

Maintenance of epithelial barrier function and restoration of tissue homeostasis after injury are essential to limit exposure to commensal and pathogenic microbes at barrier sites such as the lung, skin and intestine. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a recently recognized family of innate immune cells that perform critical roles in anti-pathogen immunity, regulation of inflammation and promotion of wound healing and tissue repair at barrier surfaces. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of how ILC populations in the intestine and respiratory tract impact immunity, inflammation and tissue homeostasis.